[Comparison of antimicrobial effect of nanostructure poly [amidoamine] dendrimer generation 4 with conventional antibiotics against water resources indigenous bacteria]

Background and Aim: dendrimers have antibacterial properties and can be used against microbial infections as alternative antibacterial agents with minimal side effects. In this study we evaluated and compared nanostructure macromolecules called Poly [amidoamine] dendrimer generation 4 [PAMAM-G4] with conventional antibiotics in relation to resistance of isolated bacteria from water resources

Materials and methods: 523 samples were collected from 108 water resources and membrane filter method was used for bacterial species isolation. Resistance of isolated species to amoxicillin, erythromycin, tetracycline and ciprofloxacin antibiotics was determined by measuring zones of inhibition and then compared to the resistance of these species to PAMAM-G4 dendrimer as an antibacterial agent. Also we measured maximum inhibitory concentration [MIC] of dendrimer against isolated bacteria

Results: 7.4% of samples showed bacterial contamination. Frequency rates of isolated microbial species were as follows: Escherichia coli [28.2%], Proteus [12.8%], Klebsiella [17.9%], Enterobacter [15.3%], Pseudomonas [17.9%], Bacillus subtilis [5.1%] and Staphylococcus aureus [2.56%]. Gram-negative species revealed high resistance to PAMAM-G4 dendrimer based on the measurement of zones of inhibition. PAMAM-G4 dendrimer didn't have any effect on inhibition of the growth of Enterobacter and Pseudomonas. MIC's against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella and Proteus were 1250, 500 and 1250 [micro]g/ml respectively. Gram-positive species showed a good response to PAMAM-G4 dendrimer, so that the MIC's for Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis were 1 and 2.5 [micro]g/ml, respectively

Conclusion: because of increased number of resistant species to conventional antibiotics, PAMAM-G4 can be considered as a potent antibacterial agent against gram-positive bacteria

[Evaluation of chemical quality of drinking water in Divandareh villages with emphasis on nitrate concentration]

Nowadays, the increasing concentration of pollutants in water resources, especially ground water, has been a matter of concern. Nitrate has been considered as a chemical indicator of water pollution for a long time. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical characteristics of drinking water and changes of nitrate in drinking water in Diwandareh villages. This was a cross-sectional study to determine the quality of drinking water of 30 villages in Divandareh. A total of 60 samples were obtained in two phases from water supplies and were analyzed according to the standard methods. Descriptive statistics, Piper, Schuler and Wilcox diagrams were used to interpret the results. The results showed that apart from nitrate, the concentrations of the other chemical quality parameters were below the standard limits. The mean and standard deviation of nitrate during the first and second stages of sampling in water sources were 26.13 +/- 25.61 mg L[-1] and 28.47 +/- 29.80 mg L[-1], respectively. According to Schuler diagram, the drinking water quality was moderate to good. Although the mean nitrate concentration in 80% of samples was lower than the latest national standard for nitrate, continuation of the current trend, particularly in the agricultural activities and uncontrolled use of groundwater resources in agriculture will change and lower the quality of water. Therefore, monitoring of agricultural practices and fertilizer use are necessary

[Garlic pods performance as a natural sorbent for the removal of cat blue 41 dye from aqueous solution]

Nowadays, removal of pollutants from water resources is a matter of concern in environmental sciences. Colors in addition to its negative impact on the aesthetic aspects have serious chemical and biological negative effects on the environment. Considering their resistance to heat, light and chemicals, they are not disintegrated easily in the environment. So this type of pollutants must be refined before pouring into the environment. Colors are used in paper, plastics and cosmetic industries and their effluent can contaminate surface and groundwater. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of modified garlic pods in the removal of cationic blue 41 from aqueous media in batch systems. In this experimental - laboratory study- at first we prepared garlic pods. The optimum pH was determined under stable conditions. Then initial concentration of adsorbent, contact time and different concentrations of dye were assessed at optimal pH level. Using Excel software, data analysis was performed by means of regression coefficient. The results revealed that the maximum cationic dye removal occurred at neutral pH. By increasing the dye concentration elimination of the dye decreased. Also we found that the efficiency of dye removal improved by increasing contact time and adsorbent concentration. Adsorption is a highly efficient method for removal of color, odor, organic and inorganic substances from wastewaters in different industries. Garlic pod is cheap and available and can be used as an adsorbent for removal of dyes from wastewaters in the textile industries

[Removal of acid black 1 dye by carbon nanotube-dendrimer composite: operation parameters, isotherms and kinetic]

Organic dyes are the major pollutants produced in many industries and have different adverse effects on water resources. The aim of this study was to synthesize a novel adsorbent with high adsorption capacity and evaluate its efficiency in removing organic dyes from aqueous solutions in a batch system. This study was an applied research in which carbon nanotube composite-dendrimer was synthesized and its chemical properties was evaluated by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Acid blue 1 dye was selected as a model to evaluate the decolorization capacity of the adsorbent. The effects of the parameters influencing the adsorption process such as initial dye concentration, adsorbent dose, pH and the effect of inorganic salts were also studied. Longmuir and Freundlich isotherm models and pseudo first order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models were used for data evaluation. In this study removal of acid black 1 dye by carbon nanotube-dendrimer composite followed the Longmuir and Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. We also found that the synthesized adsorbent had a maximum adsorbent capacity equal to 690 mg/g, when the concentration of dye was 100 mg/l. We concluded that carbon nanotube composites - dendrimer can be used as an effective adsorbent for removal of dyes form colored effluents

[Assessment of SBR system performance in the removal of reactive yellow3 dye from synthetic wastewater]

Millions of liters of color effluents are produced by textile industries and plants. Every liter of effluents may contain more than 20gr of pigments and mediators produced by their degradation which can result in environmental problems. Chemical dyes used in textile industries have some potential risks including carcinogenic and mutagenic effects on human. Further, these dyes can penetrate into surface and ground water. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of combined CAC-SBR system for removal of Reactive yellow 3 dyes. This experimental study was conducted based on a batch scale, and two SBR reactors were used for the experiment. We used synthetic wastewater samples in this study [COD=1800]. After adjusting the reactors, reactive yellow3 dye was injected into the system and its removal efficiency was investigated during different reaction times. Then SBR system efficiency in dye and COD removal was determined. After 24 hours of reaction, the efficiency of SBR system in the removal of reactive yellow3 dye was 58%. But the efficiency of SBR system in COD removal was 98% after 14 hours of reaction. In this study, by increasing the reaction time SBR efficiency increased and stabilized in a distinct time. SBR efficiency in the removal of dye and COD, together with high efficiency of anaerobic system in dye removal reveals that a combination of aerobic and anaerobic systems can be suitable for synchronic dye and COD removal.

[Cadmium adsorption by a bacterial biofilm supported on clinoptilolite from aqueous solution]

Heavy metals pollution represents a serious problem for human health and for life in general and bacterial biofilms are able to adsorb heavy metals from dilute aqueous solutions and accumulate them within their cell structure. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of Escherichia coli biofilm [an effective agent for metal adsorption] supported on clinoptilolite for the removal of cadmium from aqueous solutions. Adsorption experiments were carried out in a laboratoryscale batch model with clinoptilolite alone and clinoptilolite covered by a bacterial biofilm. The effects of initial heavy metal concentrations, pH, and agitation time on the removal efficiency were studied. Finally, experimental results were analyzed using isotherm equations. The results of this study revealed that cadmium adsorption to clinoptilolite was lower than that of clinoptilolite covered by biofilm and adsorption of the cadmium was influenced by several parameters such as initial concentration of cadmium, biosorption time and solution pH. The uptake values for clinoptilolite and for clinoptilolite covered by biofilm were 6.8 mg/g and 9.6 mg/g respectively in the batch model, for initial cadmium concentrations of 25 and 100 mg/L. It was also observed that as the initial cadmium concentration increased, the uptake increased, but the removal rate decreased. Maximum adsorption efficiency was achieved at pH value of 6. The biosorption equilibrium for cadmium was best described by the Freundlich and Longmuir models. It is concluded that the presence of biofilm increased the uptake efficiency of clinoptilolite and the biofilm tested in our study seems very promising for the removal of cadmium from aqueous solution

[Comparison of the efficiency of photochemical processes combined with UV/H[2]O[2] and UV/TiO[2] in removal of Acid Red 18 from aqueous solutions]

Development of manufacturing industries of textile dyes has resulted in marketing new dyes with better dyeing qualities. Improvement of the dye quality is related to the structural stability of the chromogenic materials which make dyes resistant against chemical and biological dissociation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficiency of the photochemical processes combined with UV/H2O2 and UV/TiO[2] in removal of Acid Red 18 dye from aqueous solutions in a batch reactor. This study was an experimental-laboratory study. A reactor was designed and fabricated in our laboratory. Then optimum pH was determined in stable condition. The effect of initial concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, titanium dioxide, contact time, and different concentrations of Acid Red 18 dye were systematically assessed while keeping optimum pH constant. Data were analyzed and interpreted using Excel software and regression coefficient. The results of this study revealed increased removal efficiency of Acid Red 18 in acidic pH in the above mentioned processes; however, this efficiency decreased with increased initial concentration of Acid Red 18 dye. Moreover, the removal efficiency of dye increased by increasing contact time and concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and titanium dioxide. In general, our results showed that the photochemical processes combined with UV/H[2]O[2] and UV/TiO[2] could be used as an effective method for removing Acid Red 18 from aqueous solutions. Moreover, comparison of the results indicated that the removal efficiency of the photochemical process combined with UV/H[2]O[2] was higher than that of the photochemical process combined with UV/TiO2. Because of availability, time-effectiveness, and lack of sludge production this process is recommended for removal of Acid Red 18

survey on the Yazd pre-hospital emergency medical services' performance assessment, 2009-2010

Pre-hospital care has an important role in the management of critical patients. The more this management is appropriate, accurate and rapid, the less there is mortality and morbidity. It is therefore imperative to assess the current status of Emergency Medical Services [EMS] is to improve its performance. Three measures that can be considered in such assessments are the status of EMS staffing and equipments and more important, the response time of EMS system. This study had a main objective to survey these measures in Yazd pre-hospital EMS stations and to compare them with the existing standards. In a descriptive, analytical and cross- sectional study, we surveyed all 7 EMS stations of Yazd. We extracted the staffing status and the ambulance equipments through checklist and compared them with reference standards. Also, we surveyed 11961 run report forms from all stations that had been submitted to central station during 2008-2009. By using Excell software and descriptive statistics [percent, cumulative distribution and standard deviation],we calculated tractile response times for Yazd EMS and compared it with reference standards of Iran and North America. The results of the study showed that Yazd EMS system has major deficiencies in terms of staffing and access to advanced EMS equipments. Based on the results, only 1 station [14/3%] had sufficient staff. Also, none of the ambulances had the necessary equipments required for critical patients' management. Despite these deficiencies, 81/15% of response time was within 8 minutes, a reference standard for EMS. We concluded that the majority of call services in Yazd EMS have been responded in a suitable time interval compared with reference standards and country's approved EMS response time goal. Although, response time is an important factor in reducing morbidity and mortality in emergencies but deficiencies of personnel and equipments can affect the effectiveness of delivered services. There fore improving in staffing and equipments is an inevitable necessity to reach the goal

Pre-hospital emergency medical services in developing countries: a case study about EMS response time in Yazd, Iran

Pre-hospital emergency medical services, a subsystem of Emergency Medical Services [EMS], provides early care to critically ill and injured patients in the field. Time is an important factor in pre-hospital care and the length of time it takes to reach care, has a significant impact on patient outcome. This study aims to calculate the response time in EMS stations of Yazd, Iran. During 2008-2009, 11961 run report forms from all 7 EMS stations in Yazd that had been submitted to central station were surveyed. By using Excell statistical software and descriptive statistics [percent, cumulative distribution and standard deviation], we calculated fractile response times for Yazd EMS. 81.15 percent of response times were within 8 minutes as a referenced standard for EMS. The majority of call services in Yazd EMS have been responded in a suitable time interval comparing with reference standards and country's approved EMS response time goal, but there are still rooms for improvement

[Comparison of efficiency of photochemical and sonochemical processes combined with hydrogen peroxide in removal of direct blue 71 [DB71] from aqueous solution: a kinetic study]

One of the important sources of environmental pollution existing in different industrial wastewater, including loom wastewater are dyes which are harmful for human health and environment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficiency of photochemical and sonochemical processes combined with hydrogen peroxide in removal of DB71 from aqueous solution. This study was experimental - laboratory study. At first, a reactor was designed and made. Then, optimum pH was determined which was 7 for photochemical and 3 for sonochemical process in constant condition. The effects of initial concentration of hydrogen peroxide, DB71 and contact time were studied at the constant optimum pH. Then data were interpreted and analyzed by use of Excel software and regression coefficient. The results of this study showed that with increased initial concentration of DB71, its removal decreased. But removal efficiency of DB71 increased by increasing contact time and initial concentration of hydrogen peroxide. In addition, kinetic parameters were obtained by application of first-order [Langmuir-Hinshelwood] equations. The results showed that UV/ H[2] O[2] and US/ H[2]O[2] processes can be effective in the removal of DB71 from aqueous solutions. Considering dye removal efficiency and availability, photochemical process combined with hydrogen peroxide can be recommended as a fast effective method for removal of dyes from aqueous solutions

[ review article of pharmacologic vitreolysis]

The vitreoretinal interface is involved in a wide range of vitreoretinal disorders and separation of the posterior vitreous face from the retinal surface is an essential part of vitrectomy surgeries. A diverse range of enzymatic and non-enzymatic agents are being studied as an adjunct before or during vitrectomy to facilitate the induction of posterior vitreous detachment. There is a significant body of knowledge in the literature about different vitreolytic agents under investigation for a variety of pathologies involving the vitreoretinal interface which will be summarized in this review. Articles retrieved by Pubmed search using keywords "Vitreolysis", pharmacologic Vitreolysis, plasmin and vitrectomy, and microplasmin and vitrectomy, were used in this review. recent reports have raised strong hopes that pharmacologic vitreolysis may eventually find its way to clinical practice. Further investigations will demonstrate whether enzymatic vitreolysis could be used as an adjunct and/or alternative treatment for treatment of vitreoretinal disorders

[Isotherm and kinetics of arsenic [V] adsorption from aqueous solution using modified wheat straw]

Water contamination with arsenic has been recognized as a serious problem and its epidemiological problems to human health have been reported. The objective of this study was to explore the possibility modified wheat straw using sodium bicarbonate for removing arsenic from aqueous solution. Adsorption process was accomplished in a laboratory-scale batch with emphasis on the effect of various parameters such as pH, contact time, arsenic concentration and adsorbent dosage on adsorption efficiency. In order to understand the adsorption process, sorption kinetics and equilibrium isotherms were also determined. It was found that adsorption of the arsenic was influenced by several parameters such as arsenic initial concentration, adsorbent dosage and solution pH. Maximum absorption efficiency was achieved at pH 7. As expected the amount of arsenic adsorbed on wheat straw increased as its concentration went up. Among the models tested, namely the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin Radushkevich isotherms, the adsorption equilibrium for arsenic was best described by the Langmuir and Freundlich models. It was also found that adsorption of arsenic by wheat straw followed pseudo second-order kinetics. Mean free energy of adsorption [15.8 kJ mol[-1]] indicates that adsorption of arsenic by wheat straw might follow a chemisorption mechanism. Desorption studies show that arsenic ions are strongly bounded with the adsorbent and exhibit low desorption. It is concluded that that adsorption by modified wheat straw is an efficient and reliable method for arsenic removal from liquid solutions

[Assessment of chemical pollution of groundwater resources in downstream regions of Sanandaj landfill]

Groundwater pollution due to leakage and penetration of leachate containing variety of compounds and contaminants is a problem in landfill sites that leads to diverse healthy and environmental problems. The purpose of this study was to assess groundwater chemical pollution in downstream regions of Sanandaj landfill. In this study, 5 wells near the landfill were selected. Water samples were obtained 6 times in spring and summer, and different parameters such as hardness, alkalinity, turbidity, COD, PO4, NO3, TDS, pH and EC were measured by standard methods and the results were compared with those of control wells and standards of drinking and agricultural water. Results of this investigation showed the chemical parameters in water of surveyed wells, compared with those in water of control wells and standards of drinking water, were higher and showed significant differences [p<0.05]. But, most of these parameters in surveyed wells were lower than those of standards of agricultural water. The water of the wells of the study area due to the high values of most of the chemical parameters measured is not potable, but can not be used in agriculture. Therefore fundamental and continuous monitoring of groundwater resources in this area is necessary to prevent contamination of water and soil resources

[Comparison of photolysis and sonolysis processes for degradation of reactive red 198]

Carcinogenic and mutagenic potential of some azo dyes as a category of common dyes in different types of industries has been reported. The degradation of one commercially available dyestuff [C.I. Reactive Red 198 [RR 198]] by means of ultraviolet radiation [UV], ultrasonic irradiation [US], UV/H[2]O[2] and US/H[2]O[2] processes was investigated. Photolysis process was accomplished in a laboratory-scale batch photoreactor equipped with a 55W immersed-type low-pressure mercury vapour lamp [UVC] and sonication in a sonoreactor with low frequency [42 kHz] plate type transducer at 170W of acoustic power with emphasis on the effect of various parameters on decolouration and degradation efficiency. Initial results showed that, color removal efficiencies by US and US/H[2]O[2] processes were negligible. Almost complete disappearance of RR 198 [20 mg/L] in UV/H[2]O[2] process was possible to achieve after 10 min of irradiation. It is found that lower pH and lower concentration of dye favor the dye degradation. Hence any increase in initial dye concentration results in decreased decolouration rates. Also, the experimental results indicated that the kinetics of sono-oxidation and photo-oxidation processes fit well by pseudo-first order kinetics and first order reaction kinetics, respectively. It is concluded that UV/H[2]O[2] reaction was more effective than other reactions in bleaching and the reaction rate was sensitive to the operational parameters and increased with increasing H[2]O[2] concentration up to 15 mM

[Evaluation of ultrasound waves effect on antibiotic resistance Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus isolated from hospital and their comparison with standard species]

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are important pathogens that produce wide spread infections. Purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of ultrasonic irradiation [US] alone and in combination with antibiotic on antibiotic resistance Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. In this study ultrasonic irradiation [US] in a laboratory-scale batch sonoreactor with low frequency [42 kHz] plate type transducer at 170W of acoustic power was used. The Water samples, were taken from different wards of the 3 teaching hospitals which were affiliated to the Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences to isolate Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus and also to determine their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. Our results showed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were affected by the ultrasound and the bactericidal effect increased with time. It was found that P. aeruginosa was more susceptible to the ultrasonic treatment than S. aureus. The combination of US with an antibiotic [amoxicillin] enhanced killing of both bacteria over the use of US alone. There were no differences in resistance to ultrasound between isolated strains and standard strains from Persian type culture collection

[Zanjan Islamic Azad university students' attitudes towards emergency contraception]

Unwanted pregnancy is a common health problem worldwide. Emergency contraception [EC] is the best effective approach for solving this problem. For reorganizing and correcting misunderstandings about the use of these methods, the present study was carried out on Zanjan Islamic Azad university students' in order to assess their attitudes towards emergency contraception. The attitudes of 1019 students towards EC was investigated using a self administered questionnaire including questions about demographic data and their attitude status. The data analyzed using appropriate software. About one third of the students [35.2%] had positive attitude, over half of them [64.1%] had impartial and less than one percent [0.7%] had negative attitude towards emergency contraception. Over half of them tended to use it and about one third believed that EC was very effective. 36% wished to obtain it from private health sectors and 35% cited that they did not do anything for the reason of modesty and shyness. Over one third of the subjects believed that using these methods is confronted with their religion. The most important obstacles for obtaining these devices were modesty, shyness and religious reasons which created a negative attitude. Consulting sessions can solve many of these barriers and will support a positive attitude

Reduction of humic substances in water by application of ultrasound waves and ultraviolet irradiation

Humic substances mainly humic acids constitute the major fraction of natural organic matter in water supplies. They play an important role in the formation of harmful disinfection by products. Degradation of humic acids by means of ultraviolet radiation and ultrasonic irradiation processes was investigated in a laboratory-scale batch photoreactor equipped with an 300 W immersed-type medium-pressure mercury vapour lamp and sonoreactor with low frequency [42 kHz] plate type transducer at 170 W of acoustic power with emphasis on the effect of various parameters on degradation efficiency. Experiments were performed at humic acids initial concentrations varying between 2.5-10 mg/L. Oxidation of humic substances has been followed over time by measuring total organic carbon and UV absorbance in 254 nm and 436 nm. Initial results indicated a strong capacity of photolysis for degradation of humic substances. The results also showed that ultrasonic alone cannot be an efficient method for degradation of humic substances in comparison with UV process. The maximum degradation efficiency of humic substances after 90 min of irradiation, however, was only 5.7% and reached a maximum value of 9.5% after 300 min of irradiation. It was found that total organic carbon can be removed effectively by photolysis. It was also found that lower concentrations of humic substances favor the humic substances degradation. Also, the experimental results indicated that the kinetics of ultrasono-oxidation and photo-oxidation processes fit well by pseudo-first order kinetics

[Correlation between nerve fiber layer thickness on OCT and visual field in patients with optic atrophy]

To evaluate the correlation between retinal nerve fiber layer [NFL] thickness and visual field parameters in patients with optic atrophy. This study was performed on 35 eyes of 28 patients with optic atrophy. NFL thickness was measured by optic coherence tomography [OCT] and visual field analysis was performed by Humphrey perimetry. The correlation between NFL thickness and visual field parameters was evaluated. Mean NFL thickness was 44.9 +/- 27.5 micro which was significantly correlated with mean deviation of perimetry [r=0.493, P=0.003]; however, no significant difference was found between quadrant NFL thickness and corresponding visual field pattern standard deviation. No significant correlation was found between visual acuity and NLF thickness. Similar to visual field, OCT can be used as an objective diagnostic tool in optic atrophy suspected patients

Comparison of oxidative stress between patients with diabetes type 2 and healthy people

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic diseases around the world with increasing prevalence in Iran. Weakening of the antioxidant defense system that accompanies this illness may lead to several complications. In this study, we evaluated the parameters of oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes and compared them with healthy individuals. In this cross-sectional study, 30 patients with type 2 diabetes who referred to diabetes clinic in Arak city were included based on well-defined inclusion criteria. They were compared with 30 individuals as the control group who were matched by age and sex. The total antioxidant capacity of serum were measured by Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma technique in all participants. The ThioBarbituric Acid method was used to estimate the amount of lipid peroxidation and finally, HU method was used to estimate the protein oxidation [Thiol groups]. The data were analyzed with SPSS software. The mean +/- SD of total antioxidant capacity of serum in patient and control group were 2.743 +/- 0.08092 micro m/ml and 1.927 +/- 0.04830 micro m/ml respectively [P<0.001]. The mean +/- SD of lipid peroxidation in patient was control group were 3.2596 +/- 2.0650 microm/ml and 3.9050 +/- 3.5354 microm/ml, respectively that it was not statistically significant. The mean +/- SD of protein oxidation [thiol] in patient and control group were 0.2038 +/- 0.1307 and 0.3768 +/- 0.1487 micro m/ml respectively [P<0.001]. Our findings showed that the increased amount of total antioxidant capacity of serum in diabetic patients was meaningful, but lipid peroxidation was not significantly different between two groups that can be caused by taking natural and medical antioxidants by patients. The production of free radicals in patients has been increased and therefore the antioxidant defense system has been weakened

[ prevalence of bacterial and red blood cell contamination of multiple dose vials used in ICU, NICU and the operation room]

Transmission of infection via multiple dose vials has been well documented. Thus, the probability of contamination in these vials, no matter how little, is very important because they are supposed to be a potential source of nosocomial infection in patients. Therefore, a prevalence study on the contamination of multiple dose vials [MDV] seams to be necessary. The purpose of this study was to identify bacterial contamination and red blood cell [RBC] contamination in multiple dose vials used in Bahman 22 [nd] Hospital. In a cohort study, different types of MDVs used in different sections of Bahman 22[nd] Hospital were periodically collected during one year. Information about the medication, wards, labeling of vials, the date and time of opening and storing temperature was recorded. Then, 0.5 ml of each vial was cultured in Blood Agar media at 37[degree sign] c for 48 hours. Also, the samples were tested for Red Blood Cell contamination after they were centrifuged. Totally, 300 MDV's were collected and studied. No bacterial contamination was found in the cultures. Of the 300 vials available, 2 vials were contaminated with RBC [2 RBC in one vial and 3 RBC in another] at a contamination rate of 0.67%. Although the results of bacterial culture of multiple dose vials used in different wards of the hospital were negative, the contamination of two vials with Red Blood Cells is still very important. The findings should raise concerns about the potential risk of transmission of blood borne pathogens through such vials