Stability of a heparin-free 50% ethanol lock solution for central venous catheters.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the stability of a compounded 50% ethanol solution (v/v) in syringes used for ethanol locks for central venous catheters.


METHODS
Syringes were compounded with 50% ethanol solution (v/v) and were tested for ethanol concentration over a 28 day period. Syringes were stored at room temperature not protected from light and assayed on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 15, 17, 21, and 28. Ethanolic content was determined using gas chromatography/flame ionization detection (GC/ FID) Varian CP-WAX58 (FFAP) CB capillary column.


METHODS
University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center.


RESULTS
The mean value for all samples over 28 days was found to be 47.08% with a standard deviation of 2.72. Mean ethanol concentrations ranged from 43 to 52% over the 28 day period and did not vary with time.


CONCLUSIONS
Ethanol is an effective disinfectant against a broad range of micro-organisms, including bacteria and fungi. Retrospective trials have suggested that the efficacy of an ethanol lock solution is superior to systemic antibiotics to treat and/or prevent central line venous infections; however, there is not a commercially available pharmaceutical product and ethanol 50% solutions are currently compounded. These findings suggest that a 50% (v/v) ethanol solution stored in a syringe at room temperature, not protected from light is stable over a 28 day period.
Pomplun
Marcia
M
University of Wisconsin, Paul P Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
Johnson
Jeremy J
JJ
Johnston
Susan
S
Kolesar
Jill M
JM
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000737:chemistry*; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D004339:Drug Compounding; D004349:Drug Packaging; D004355:Drug Stability; D004356:Drug Storage; D000431:Ethanol / Q000737:chemistry*; D005410:Flame Ionization; D012996:Solutions; D013594:Syringes
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D012996:Solutions; D000431:Ethanol