Abstract
Purpose::
To analyze whether Avastin drawn into single dose tuberculin syringes remained sterile for three months.Background: Intravitreal injections of Avastin have become a proven treatment for angiogenesis etiologies of vision loss, particularly neovascular age-related macular degeneration. The lack of retinal toxicity makes this a viable treatment option with few risk factors though infectious endophthalmitis is a concern with any intravitreal injection. While the long term stability of Avastin in a syringe has been shown, the resistance to microbial growth requires investigation.
Methods::
Under aseptic technique, Avastin was drawn into single dose tuberculin syringes with a 30 gauge needle. The first drop and last drop from the dispensing bottle were immediately applied to a Sheep Blood Agar media plate. Six additional syringes were filled with Avastin and kept with the needle capped at 4 degrees C for up to 3 months. At 2 week intervals an Avastin filled syringe was dispensed on a Sheep Blood Agar media plate. All media plates were taped, stored at room temperature, and inspected at 24 and 48 hours. If any growth occurred, the media plate was sent to microbiology for identification and sensitivity. The study was simultaneously performed with three separate Avastin vials for all time points.
Results::
No syringes showed microbial growth on Sheep Blood Agar media plates at 24 or 48 hours for the 3 month duration of the study.
Conclusions::
Avastin showed long term resistance to microbial growth with a sterile acquisition technique. Avastin has been shown to be stable and sterile for up to 3 months.
Keywords: injection • endophthalmitis