Abstract
Cross-infection in contrast injectors is still a subject under discussion with little understanding. This study evaluated the biosafety of non-return valves (NRVs). Initially, the maximum pressure during backflow of intact and disrupted flexible diaphragms (FDs) from NRVs, as well as the functionality of connectors with NRVs were verified. The performance of air columns interposed by water in connectors with NRVs was analyzed, and the diffusion distance of crystal violet through connectors with NRVs was measured. The efficacy of NRVs as a barrier to bacterial contamination from backflow was evaluated. Finally, a clinical study of bacteriological contamination from syringes was conducted. There were differences among the maximum tolerated pressure by intact and disrupted FDs. Disrupted FDs showed no failures in the functionality of connectors with NRVs based on the lack of air bubbles released. Air columns could move through connectors with NRVs with intact and disrupted FDs. The longest diffusion distance of crystal violet was 6 cm of connector length, and NRVs showed efficacy as a barrier to bacterial contamination. In the clinical study, there was no bacterial growth in any of the evaluated samples. In conclusion, biosafety depends on the functionality of NRVs as well as proper practical clinical performance.
Highlights
Knowledge of radiology covers specialties such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and digital radiology
The objective of this study was to investigate the operation of connectors with non-return valves (NRVs) in extreme situations to contribute to the biosafety and provide contamination and infection risk controls for infusion systems in
In subgroup A, among the 50 samples re-evaluated regarding the maximum backflow pressure, there was an 85% reduction in the maximum pressures supported by flexible diaphragms (FDs) after disruption
Summary
Knowledge of radiology covers specialties such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and digital radiology. The procedure established in radiology does not consist of changing the connector and syringe of the injector for each patient but exchanging only the connector with NRVs12. This reflects benefits for the radiodiagnosis sector, such as optimizing the time of the professionals involved and minimizing the cost of materials used during CT and MRI. There are no reports regarding the biosafety of this procedure and if it creates a risk for microorganism contamination in the infusion system In this way, further studies on the safety of connectors with NRVs are required. The null hypothesis is that the use of connectors with NRVs does not influence the contamination of the radiological contrast infusion system
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