Bacterial contamination of Propofol vials at three post-opening time points

Abstract

This study assessed microbial contamination in 1% Propofol vials. The results indicated that vials stored at room temperature exhibited higher bacterial growth and greater resistance to various antibiotics compared to those stored under refrigeration. The research was conducted at the veterinary clinic of the University of Cuenca. One group of vials was maintained at room temperature, while the other was refrigerated. The first sampling site was the rubber stopper, which was swabbed with a saline solution (0.9%). The swabs were then stored in Stuart transport medium. The second sampling involved aspirating 0.1 ml from the vial contents using a 1 ml syringe, with the samples placed in tubes without additives. Sample collection occurred at three time points (days 0, 7, and 14). The maximum bacterial presence recorded was 200 CFU/ml in 6 out of 8 vials by the end of the study. Bacterial growth was observed in 25% of the vials by day 7, increasing to 75% by day 14. Notably, an increased presence of Staphylococcus spp. was detected in 5 out of 6 contaminated vials on day 14.