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Cross contamination of viral specimens related to shell vial caps

V C Salmon1, B R Kenyon, J C Overall

  • 1Diagnostic Virology Laboratory, Associated Regional and University Pathologists, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108.

Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|December 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Vial cap type significantly impacts cross-contamination risk in poliovirus cultures. Screw caps minimize contamination, while plastic snap caps increase it, necessitating improved laboratory practices.

Area of Science:

  • Clinical Virology
  • Microbiology
  • Laboratory Science

Background:

  • A cluster of poliovirus type 3-positive specimens was identified.
  • The specimens were cultured in shell vials, a common laboratory method.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the cause of a poliovirus contamination cluster.
  • To determine the role of vial cap type in specimen cross-contamination.
  • To evaluate contamination rates associated with different vial cap materials.

Main Methods:

  • Observed a cluster of poliovirus type 3-positive specimens.
  • Conducted simulated testing using colored media in shell vials.
  • Compared contamination levels between plastic snap caps and screw caps.

Main Results:

  • Significant cross-contamination was discovered and linked to vial cap type.
  • Plastic snap caps showed the highest rates of contamination.
  • Screw caps demonstrated the lowest rates of cross-contamination.

Conclusions:

  • Vial cap selection is critical for preventing cross-contamination in virology.
  • Implementing screw caps can significantly reduce contamination risks.
  • Recommendations for preventing cross-contamination in clinical virology laboratories are discussed.

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