Contamination study of multiple-dose vials.
OBJECTIVE
To document the number of opened, dated, and expired multiple-dose vials (MDVs) in patient-care areas and to determine what proportion of MDVs were contaminated with bacteria or cellular debris.


METHODS
Every tenth opened MDV (69/656) identified on the wards was collected, ensuring representation from each nursing unit. Contents were examined for contamination.


METHODS
Medical-school-affiliated, tertiary care center.


METHODS
(1) Visual inspection for debris, medication type, location, lot number, manufacturer's expiration date, and date of opening; (2) culture in solid and broth media for bacterial growth; and (3) staining and microscopic examination for cellular constituents.


RESULTS
No vials had been dated after opening and 4.6 percent were expired according to the manufacturer's expiration date. No bacterial contamination was evident; however, one vial was contaminated with red blood cells.


CONCLUSIONS
Transmission of infection via contaminated MDVs has been well documented and contamination with red blood cells raises concerns about potential for transmission of bloodborne pathogens. Recommendations include dating MDVs after opening, emphasizing the need for proper aseptic technique, and discarding MDVs on the manufacture's date of expiration.
Melnyk
P S
PS
College of Pharmacy, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
Shevchuk
Y M
YM
Conly
J M
JM
Richardson
C J
CJ
D004340:Drug Contamination; D004348:Drug Labeling; D004349:Drug Packaging; D006746:Hospital Bed Capacity, 500 and over; D006757:Hospital Units; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D012525:Saskatchewan