False-positive gram-stained smears of sterile body fluids due to contamination of laboratory deionized water.
Bacterial contamination of staining reagents led to false-positive smears from clinical samples. Piped deionized water used to make up the staining reagents was found to be the source of contamination. The closed loop system supplying the deionized water was decontaminated with hydrogen peroxide and upgraded by addition of a reverse osmosis unit and bacterial filter. No subsequent contamination has been demonstrated.
Medcraft
J W
JW
Pathology Laboratory, Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading.
New
C W
CW
D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000382:microbiology*; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000382:microbiology*; D004203:Disinfection; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005840:Gentian Violet; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D010619:Phenazines; D014867:Water
C035863:Gram's stain; D010619:Phenazines; D014867:Water; D005840:Gentian Violet