Microbial growth in propofol formulations with disodium edetate and the influence of venous access system dead space.

Propofol formulated in lipid supports microbial growth. We hypothesised that propofol with disodium edetate would suppress microbial growth more than propofol without disodium edetate. We examined bacterial growth in vitro and bacterial survival in the dead space of different venous access systems. Bacteria in propofol with disodium edetate (Diprivan; AstraZeneca, London, UK) and without disodium edetate (1% Propofol inj. 'Maruishi'; Maruishi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Osaka, Japan) survived and grew in the dead space of the venous access systems, although propofol with disodium edetate suppressed bacterial growth more than propofol without. Disodium edetate is effective in retarding microbial growth. However, for prevention of healthcare-associated infections, medical professionals should maintain strict aseptic precautions when handling propofol, use disodium edetate-containing formulations, and should consider using venous access systems without dead space.