Bacterial Contamination of Angiographic Materials in Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroangiography.

PURPOSE: Bacterial contamination has been reported to occur during angiographies, although data on its frequency and relevance are limited. The purpose of our study was to determine whether angiographic materials such as catheters and guide wires remain sterile during angiographies. We sought to differentiate between different materials, and to detect the frequency, the extent and the spectrum of bacterial contamination.

METHODS

We prospectively collected 698 fluid or material samples from 100 neuroangiographies. Per angiography we analyzed proximal ends and distal tips of catheters and guide wires, and fluid samples from the water container (working bowl) in which materials were stored during the angiography. We analyzed the frequency and extent of contamination and determined the bacterial spectrum.

RESULTS

The majority of samples (51.4%) were contaminated. There was no angiography that showed no contamination (0%). The highest proportion of contaminated samples was found in the fluid from the working bowl after completion of the examination (92.9%). Catheters and wires were contaminated in 34.1-49.2% of samples. Contamination of the samples increased with longer duration of the angiographic procedures. Most of the bacterial species were environmental or skin contaminants (86.2%).

CONCLUSION

Bacterial contamination during diagnostic neuroangiographies or interventions is a frequent finding although its clinical significance is believed to be small. Bacterial contamination increases with longer duration of angiographic procedures.