Preventing microbial contamination during radiological imaging: Experimental evaluation of a multiuse contrast media...

Health care-associated infections are a significant cause of patient morbidity, mortality, and health care expenditure. In diagnostic imaging, multiuse contrast media infusion systems are increasingly common; however, their use raises concerns regarding cross-contamination risk.

A controlled experimental model was used to assess the ability of a multiuse infusion system to prevent microbial contamination during simulated clinical conditions. Escherichia coli and MS2 bacteriophage were selected to model bacterial and viral contamination risks, respectively. Inocula were introduced at key connection points during two 12-hour experimental sessions. The primary outcome was the presence or absence of microbial growth in retrieved fluid samples. Control testing was conducted to validate sterility, microbial viability, and experimental integrity.

Positive and negative control testing performed as expected. No microbial growth was detected in any of the 51 experimental fluid samples. This corresponds to a 95% confidence upper bound of 5.8% for undetected contamination events.

The system's design, including sequential dual 1-way valves effectively prevented bacterial and viral contamination under laboratory conditions. These findings support its potential for safe multiuse in radiological settings.