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Growth of four microorganisms in polyethylene glycol-electrolyte lavage solution
Abstract:
The growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis, Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans in reconstituted polyethylene glycol-electrolyte lavage solution (PEG-ELS) stored under refrigeration and at room temperature was studied. A standard inoculum of each organism was added to one of four 4-L containers (one organism per container). From each container 28 aliquots of 25-mL each were removed and stored under refrigeration or at room temperature. One container was not inoculated and served as a control. Duplicate aliquots of the inoculated and the control solutions were filtered and incubated for quantification of organisms on days 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 30. Solutions stored at room temperature supported the growth of S. marcescens and Ps. aeruginosa. The counts of these organisms increased to approximately 10(6) colony-forming units (CFU)/mL over 16 days. The counts of Staph. epidermidis in solutions stored at room temperature increased slightly over the first 24 hours and declined steadily to zero after day 4. C. albicans reached a maximum colony count of 5.84 cfu/mL on day 16 and steadily declined to 0.92 cfu/mL on day 30. Solutions stored under refrigeration did not support the growth of any microorganisms. Microbial growth was not detected in any of the control solutions over the 30-day study period. The polyethylene glycol-electrolyte lavage solution studied here should be refrigerated after reconstitution to minimize microbial growth. This solution may be used for up to 30 days after reconstitution when it is stored under refrigeration.
Insights
Refrigerate reconstituted polyethylene glycol-electrolyte lavage solution (PEG-ELS) to prevent microbial growth. Room temperature storage supports growth of certain bacteria and fungi, while refrigeration inhibits all microbial proliferation for up to 30 days.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Medical Device Sterilization
Background:
- Polyethylene glycol-electrolyte lavage solution (PEG-ELS) is widely used in medical procedures.
- Understanding the stability and microbial growth potential of PEG-ELS is crucial for patient safety.
- Previous studies have not comprehensively evaluated PEG-ELS microbial stability under various storage conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the growth of common microorganisms in reconstituted PEG-ELS.
- To compare microbial growth in PEG-ELS stored at room temperature versus refrigeration.
- To determine the safe storage duration for reconstituted PEG-ELS.
Main Methods:
- Four common microorganisms (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans) were inoculated into PEG-ELS.
- Inoculated PEG-ELS samples were stored at room temperature and under refrigeration.
- Microbial quantification was performed at multiple time points up to 30 days.
Main Results:
- Room temperature storage supported the growth of S. marcescens and Ps. aeruginosa, reaching approximately 10(6) CFU/mL within 16 days.
- Staph. epidermidis showed limited growth at room temperature, declining to undetectable levels by day 4.
- C. albicans exhibited minimal growth at room temperature, with counts declining after day 16.
- No microbial growth was observed in PEG-ELS stored under refrigeration throughout the 30-day study period.
- Control solutions remained sterile, confirming the absence of contamination.
Conclusions:
- Refrigeration is essential for maintaining the microbial integrity of reconstituted PEG-ELS.
- Refrigerated PEG-ELS can be safely used for up to 30 days post-reconstitution.
- Room temperature storage of PEG-ELS should be avoided due to the risk of microbial proliferation.