RESUMEN
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