Discussion
Results support the aseptic handling protocol described in this article is successful in preventing detectable bacterial and fungal contamination of liposomal bupivacaine vials for up to 7 individual punctures and vials open for up to 5 days.
Methods
The first (Control) and last (Sample B) 0.5 mL from each vial were collected and submitted for bacterial and fungal PCR, anaerobic and aerobic bacterial culture, and opportunistic fungal culture.
Results
All 40 bacterial cultures yielded no growth; Bacterial or fungal DNA was identified in 19 samples (50%). Of the 19 samples in which bacterial or fungal DNA was identified, 10 (52.6%) were from Control, and 9 (47.4%) were from Sample B. PCR does not appear to be useful in detecting bacterial or fungal contamination from liposomal bupivacaine.