ISSN: 0973-7510

E-ISSN: 2581-690X

Alija Baig , Zia ur Rahman, Muhammad Khurram, Farhat Ali Khan, Mujahid Sher and Imran Khan

1Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology Peshawar, Pakistan.
J. Pure Appl. Microbiol. 2014, 8(6):4533-4540
© The Author(s). 2014
Received: 06/09/2014 | Accepted: 14/11/2014 | Published: 31/12/2014
Abstract

To evaluate the microbiological sterility of disposable syringes used in the Peshawar region of KPK, Pakistan. Our aim of study was to affirm that whether or not these Disposable syringes really meet the criteria of safety for which it is intended to be used. Random samples of disposable syringes were collected from local market and Government tertiary care hospitals in Peshawar, KPK. The sterility of these syringes was assessed using United States Pharmacopoeia’s standards for the sterility tests. The tests for evaluation of sterility were carried out as per SOPs (standard operating procedures) applied for controlled environment and equipments in a microbiological lab. Microbial growth was observed both in ethylene oxide and radiation sterilized (manufacturer’s claim) syringes. 1 ml Disposable syringes gamma radiated and ETO (ethylene oxide) treated showed microbial growth in 33% and 44% of selected samples respectively, similarly 53% and 51% of samples showed microbial contamination in 5ml Syringes of both local and Hospital collected items respectively. In case of 3ml and 10 ml syringes microbial growth was observed in 40% and 65% of samples respectively. It was interesting to find that microbial growth was observed in most vulnerable parts of syringes which are in direct contact with human body or medication like needle and plunger. Our study concluded that there are chances of microbial contamination in such disposable syringes and may have the deleterious effect on the health of the individuals so precautions must be observed to avert all those possibilities which may cause the contamination of these items.

Keywords

item, Disposable syringes, Plunger, needle assembly, Ethylene Oxide, Sterilization

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