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Drug contamination from opening glass ampules
A N Zacher1, M H Zornow, G Evans
1Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego 92093-0629.
Anesthesiology
|November 1, 1991
Summary
Preventing bacterial contamination in intravenous solutions like propofol is crucial. Swabbing ampule necks with alcohol before opening significantly reduces contamination risk, safeguarding patients from sepsis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Anesthesiology
- Infection Control
Background:
- Postoperative sepsis has been linked to contaminated intravenous propofol solutions.
- The source of contamination in glass ampules remains unidentified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if swabbing glass ampule necks with alcohol reduces bacterial contamination.
- To assess the efficacy of alcohol disinfection in preventing contamination of propofol and lidocaine ampules.
Main Methods:
- Glass ampules of propofol and lidocaine were artificially contaminated with Staphylococcus epidermidis.
- Half of the contaminated ampules were wiped with alcohol pads before opening.
- Bacterial growth was assessed by incubating aliquots in nutrient broth and plating on agar.
Main Results:
- Significant bacterial contamination (6/8 ampules) was observed in propofol ampules not treated with alcohol.
- Lidocaine ampules also showed contamination (3/8) without alcohol treatment.
- All ampules wiped with alcohol prior to opening remained sterile, indicating a significant reduction in contamination.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial contamination of propofol and lidocaine can occur during the opening of glass ampules.
- Immediate pre-opening disinfection of ampule necks with alcohol is an effective measure to decrease contamination risk.