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The potential for contamination of intravenous infusions by airborne skin scales

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2009

C. J. Holmes  and
M. C. Allwood
C. J. Holmes
Affiliation:
Department of Pharmacy, The University, Manchester 13
M. C. Allwood
Affiliation:
Department of Pharmacy, The University, Manchester 13
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Summary

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Skin scales may be attracted onto the surface of administration set connector needles before insertion into infusion containers. Viable microorganisms associated with skin scales may therefore gain access to the infusion by this route. A technique is described for creating an environment of airborne skin scales. This environment is used to examine the attraction of skin scales onto the surface of administration set connector needles and three other materials. After exposure, skin scales are found adhering to the surface of each material examined. The attraction of skin scales onto administration set connector needles is dependent on the time of exposure to the environment. Results suggest that intravenous infusions can be contaminated by this route when the infusion and administration set is assembled.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Hygiene , Volume 79 , Issue 3 , December 1977 , pp. 417 - 423
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1977

References

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