Bacterial contamination of contrast media stored after opening

Abstract

A barium suspension, iohexol, iopamidol and ioxaglate which were diluted with tapwater and 0.9% NaCl and dextrose saline (4% and 0.18%) were made into aliquots of 10 ml and stored at 4 degrees C, room temperature and 37 degrees C for 8 weeks. Regular handling and bacterial cultures were performed. These studies confirmed that environmental organisms do contaminate these solutions and that they also support viable organisms, but do not become significantly colonized at room temperature or 4 degrees C. The solutions should be stored at room temperature or at 4 degrees C. The diluted barium solution was the contrast medium least contaminated and if it is not contra-indicated for other reasons should be used in preference to low osmolality water soluble contrast media on the basis of its cost, radiological contrast and low microbial contamination rate.

An observational study to evaluate the efficiency and safety of ioversol pre-filled syringes compared with ioversol bottles in contrast-enhanced examinations

“…The authors conclude that optimization of environments does not prevent contamination of syringes and, therefore, multiple-use syringes for more than one patient should be prohibited owing to the risk of septic complications (2,4). These results are supported by studies showing that transmission of infections with CM through the filling of multiple-use syringes is associated with an increased risk of contamination and patient infection (2,10,13,15,21,24), as well as cases of cross-infections with the use of multiple-use vials or bottles without use of contrast media (11,12). Use of pre-filled syringes may, therefore, help reduce the risk of contamination.…”