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Potential bacterial contamination in fluorescein-anesthetic solutions
L R Duffner1, S C Pflugfelder, S Mandelbaum
1Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida.
Abstract:
To determine the ability of fluorescein-anesthetic combination solutions and their applicators to regain sterility, we contaminated four commercially available fluorescein-anesthetic solutions and their dropper tips with inocula of either Pseudomonas species or Staphylococcus species. No organisms could be cultured from Fluress one minute after inoculation of the solution or five minutes after inoculation of the dropper tip. In contrast, organisms were cultured from the other fluorescein-anesthetic preparations for at least one hour after bacterial inoculation into the solution or onto the dropper tip. These differences in the ability of fluorescein-anesthetic solutions to regain sterility after bacterial contamination were statistically significant.
Insights
Fluress demonstrated superior sterility compared to other fluorescein-anesthetic solutions. Fluress quickly regained sterility after contamination, unlike other products tested.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Pharmaceutical Science
Background:
- Fluorescein anesthetic solutions are used in ophthalmic procedures.
- Maintaining sterility of ophthalmic solutions and applicators is critical to prevent infections.
- Bacterial contamination of multi-use ophthalmic preparations poses a significant risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in-vitro ability of a fluorescein-anesthetic solution (Fluress) and its applicator to regain sterility after bacterial contamination.
- To compare the antimicrobial properties of Fluress with three other commercially available fluorescein-anesthetic solutions and their respective dropper tips.
Main Methods:
- Four commercial fluorescein-anesthetic solutions, including Fluress, were tested.
- Solutions and their dropper tips were deliberately contaminated with Pseudomonas species or Staphylococcus species.
- Cultures were taken at various time points (1 minute, 5 minutes, 1 hour) post-contamination to assess bacterial regrowth.
Main Results:
- Fluress demonstrated rapid regaining of sterility, with no organisms cultured 1 minute after solution inoculation and 5 minutes after dropper tip inoculation.
- In contrast, the other three fluorescein-anesthetic preparations showed persistent bacterial presence for at least one hour post-contamination.
- The differences in the ability to regain sterility between Fluress and the other preparations were statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- Fluress exhibits superior antimicrobial properties compared to other tested fluorescein-anesthetic solutions.
- The formulation of Fluress effectively inhibits bacterial growth, contributing to applicator and solution sterility.
- These findings suggest Fluress may offer a reduced risk of microbial contamination in ophthalmic practice.