The growth of micro-organisms in intravenous fluids

The growth of four micro-organisms in 12 different intravenous fluids at room temperature was studied. Gram-negative organisms grew better than Gram-positive, and lipid solutions were most favourable to microbial growth. Microbial growth was inhibited in solutions with osmolalities over 500 mosmol/l; Staphylococcus epidermidis was inhibited by inocula with Gram-negative bacilli, while the growth of Gram-negative bacilli generally was not affected. Candida albicans was inhibited by Gram-negative bacilli in lipid and 5% dextrose solutions.