Contamination of fluids from a hospital pharmacy.

An investigation into the cause of bacterial contamination of bottles of noninjectable water has been reported. A method of monitoring such bottles has also been described. The roles played by autoclave spray-cooling water and inadequate bottle seals in the contamination of fluids have been examined. Possible methods of reducing the risk of contamination are discussed and the design of an improved method of closure of sterile bottled fluids is stressed. Bacteriological examination is shown to be a more accurate index of the true rate of contamination than measurement of dye concentrations of bottle contents.