The growth of bacteria in infusion drugs: propofol 2% supports growth when remifentanil and pantoprazole do not

Background and objectivesContamination risks of propofol 2%, remifentanil, and pantoprazole; and in vitro effects of these drugs on the growth of common infective agents in intensive care units were evaluated.MethodsFor detection of contamination risk, drugs were prepared ready to use under intensive care unit conditions, were tested. Effects of these three drugs on bacterial growth were also investigated. Drugs were prepared at the concentrations used in the intensive care unit and inoculated with common pathogens after which they were incubated at 4 °C, 22 °C and 36 °C. Subcultures were made at 0, 2, 4 and 8 h and colony counts were evaluated. Minimum inhibitory concentration values were determined for all drugs at 4 °C, 22 °C and 36 °C.ResultsNo growth was observed in the drugs prepared in the intensive care unit. Propofol tended to support while remifentanil inhibited bacterial growth. Effect of pantoprozole differed according to the bacteria tested. None of the drugs showed antibacterial activity at the maximum concentrations which may be achieved in blood of the patients.ConclusionPropofol strongly supports the growth of the microorganisms tested, although remifentanil and pantoprazole do not. Therefore, it is important to follow the strict aseptic techniques for the preparation of propofol.