Improved aseptic technique can reduce variable contamination rates of ward-prepared parenteral doses

Area of Science:

• Healthcare
• Infection Control
• Clinical Pharmacy

Background:

• Aseptic techniques are critical for preparing intravenous (IV) doses and manipulating central venous lines.
• Ensuring the sterility of IV preparations is paramount to patient safety and preventing healthcare-associated infections.
• Variations in aseptic technique practices among healthcare professionals may influence contamination rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of different aseptic techniques on the contamination rates of intravenous doses prepared in a hospital ward setting.
• To compare the contamination rates between pharmacy operators and nurses when preparing IV doses using aseptic techniques.

Main Methods:

• Tryptic soy broth test media in syringes were prepared by a single pharmacy operator and five nurses.
• Prepared syringes were assessed for microbial contamination.
• Statistical analyses included Fisher's exact test and binary logistic regression to compare contamination rates.

Main Results:

• The pharmacy operator demonstrated significantly lower contamination rates (0.0%) compared to nurses (6.9%; P < 0.001).
• Significant variation in contamination rates was observed among nurses, ranging from approximately 2% to 17% (P = 0.018).

Conclusions:

• Differences in aseptic technique proficiency exist between pharmacy operators and nursing staff.
• Enhanced training and practical experience in aseptic techniques are essential for healthcare professionals to minimize IV dose contamination.
• Implementing standardized, evidence-based aseptic practices can improve patient safety by reducing the risk of infection.