Timothy C Smith1, Lawrence R Lee. 1. From *City Eye Centre, Brisbane, and †University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
Abstract
PURPOSE: A prospective pilot study was undertaken to determine the rate (if any) of microbiological contamination in vials of bevacizumab (Avastin; Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA) being accessed for multiple intravitreal injections. METHODS: Twenty-one unfractionated, 100-mg (4 mL) vials of bevacizumab were used for 321 intravitreal injections. Each vial was accessed multiple times under sterile conditions. Upon completion of each vial, the residual contents were stored for a further 2 weeks before being sent for microbiological contamination studies. RESULTS: No evidence of microbiological contamination was detected in 21 vials sent for assessment. Of 321 intravitreal injections performed, none was associated with any sign of endophthalmitis. CONCLUSIONS: Using the same vial multiple times for intravitreal injections (stored for up to 4 weeks after opening) is a reasonable alternative to other methods of administering bevacizumab. Larger studies are required to determine the safety and efficacy of this practice.
PURPOSE: A prospective pilot study was undertaken to determine the rate (if any) of microbiological contamination in vials of bevacizumab (Avastin; Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA) being accessed for multiple intravitreal injections. METHODS: Twenty-one unfractionated, 100-mg (4 mL) vials of bevacizumab were used for 321 intravitreal injections. Each vial was accessed multiple times under sterile conditions. Upon completion of each vial, the residual contents were stored for a further 2 weeks before being sent for microbiological contamination studies. RESULTS: No evidence of microbiological contamination was detected in 21 vials sent for assessment. Of 321 intravitreal injections performed, none was associated with any sign of endophthalmitis. CONCLUSIONS: Using the same vial multiple times for intravitreal injections (stored for up to 4 weeks after opening) is a reasonable alternative to other methods of administering bevacizumab. Larger studies are required to determine the safety and efficacy of this practice.