Bacteriological studies of open versus closed contrast medium delivery systems in angiography

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of the 'open' method of contrast medium delivery in the angiographic theatre, in which contrast medium is decanted into open galley pots on sterile trolleys. The air bacterial load within the angiographic theatre was sampled before and during angiographic procedures. The relationship of staff and patient activity to bacterial load was assessed. Samples of Iopromide (Ultravist 370; Schering Pty Ltd, Sydney, NSW, Australia) decanted into galley pots were taken for bacterial culture at the end of seven patient procedures. Air bacterial loads were comparable with operating theatre levels and were heaviest during staff activity. Three of seven samples taken at the end of angiographic procedures from air-exposed galley pots yielded contaminants, but the number of bacteria was below that required to produce septicaemia under normal conditions. These results suggest that the open system of contrast medium delivery can be safely used, providing that bacterial checks of room contamination are performed and personnel entry into the theatre is strictly limited.