Videographic and Microbiologic Evaluation of Eye Drop Bottle Contamination in Clinics: A Pilot Study

Many multidose eyedrops in the clinic and operating room are discarded after single use due to cross-contamination concerns. This practice contributes to significant hospital costs, drug shortages, and unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions.

9-week, prospective, observational study of 97 patients.

To validate the safety of multidose eyedrops in the ophthalmology clinic by ASORN-trained technicians using a videographic and microbiological analysis. Secondly, to determine optimal culturing conditions to prevent environmental contamination.

During eyedrop administration, no videos demonstrated bottle-to-patient contact. 12/96 (12.5%) plates demonstrated growth, likely due to environmental contamination. Mass spectrometry revealed non-pathogenic and common species for 8 identifiable growths. Environmental contamination is minimized by use of a biosafety cabinet.

We found no clinical correlation between the use of multidose eyedrop bottles and infection on multiple patients in the ophthalmology clinic. We recommend using a biosafety cabinet to establish a national consensus for multidosing eyedrops and to improve inter-study comparisons.