Improved aseptic technique can reduce variable contamination rates of ward-prepared parenteral doses

Aseptic techniques are required to manipulate central venous lines and prepare intravenous doses. This study aimed to examine whether different aseptic techniques affect the contamination rates of intravenous doses prepared on hospital wards. Syringes of tryptic soy broth test media prepared by one pharmacy operator and five nurses were assessed for contamination. The pharmacy operator achieved lower contamination than the nurses (0.0% vs 6.9%; Fisher's exact test, P < 0.001). Contamination differed significantly between nurses (similar to 2-17% of syringes; binary logistic regression, P = 0.018). In conclusion, appropriate training and experience in aseptic techniques should be embedded into routine clinical practice to reduce contamination rates. (C) 2012 The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.