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Comparison of microbiologic assay methods for hemodialysis fluids
M J Arduino1, L A Bland, S M Aguero
1Nosocomial Infections Laboratory Branch, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia 30333.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|March 1, 1991
Summary
Microbiologic assay systems for hemodialysis fluids were evaluated. The SPC water sampler demonstrated consistent, high microbial recovery, offering an acceptable balance for clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Microbiology
- Medical Device Evaluation
- Infectious Disease Prevention
Background:
- Pyrogenic reactions and bacteremia are risks for hemodialysis patients.
- Monthly microbiologic assay of hemodialysis fluids is recommended by AAMI and CDC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of five commercial assay systems for hemodialysis fluid.
- To determine the efficiency of microbial recovery for different assay systems.
Main Methods:
- Membrane filtration technique used for microbial recovery.
- Assay systems challenged with various microbial contaminants and hemodialysis fluids.
- Comparison with standard agar methods and incubation up to 72 hours.
Main Results:
- Microbial recovery efficiency varied based on the type of microbial challenge.
- The SPC water sampler consistently yielded the highest viable counts.
- Other commercial systems showed comparable overall performance.
Conclusions:
- All tested assay systems offered a practical balance of recovery, time, equipment, and expertise.
- The SPC water sampler was the most consistent in microbial recovery.
- Regular microbiologic monitoring is crucial for hemodialysis fluid safety.