Dynamic particle count during drug infusion: Method characterization and analysis of factors influencing results

• Published in: Journal of drug delivery science and technology Vol. 55; p. 101473
• Main Authors: Martin Mena, Anthony, Masse, Morgane, Négrier, Laura, Carta, Natacha, Pettinari, Alice, Barthélémy, Christine, Odou, Pascal, Genay, Stéphanie, Décaudin, Bertrand
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01-02-2020; Elsevier
• Series: Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology
• Subjects: Drug incompatibility; Drug infusion systems; Dynamic particle count; Life Sciences; Particle size; Particulate matter; Subvisible particles; Drug infusion systems; Particle size; Subvisible particles; Particulate matter; Drug incompatibility; Dynamic particle count
• ISSN: 1773-2247
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2019.101473

Drug incompatibilities are a constant problem in hospital care units. The multiplication of drugs injected simultaneously during patient therapy increases the risk of incompatibilities and can have a significant clinical impact. The purpose of this research was to characterize and analyze various parameters inducing variability in particle counting using a dynamic particle counter.
Observations were performed on two-ports manifolds with two incompatible drugs, thus creating a quantifiable particulate charge. We analyzed the number of different-sized particles measured during the experiment as well as their cumulative distribution.
The parameters studied on particle count were: position of the infusion device, environmental vibrations and total flow rate.
Significantly higher particle counts were observed when the infusion device was in a vertical position or disturbed by vibrations. Total flow rate significantly reduced the number of particles.
This study enabled us to identify several variation factors through dynamic particle counting. These factors should be taken into account to reduce variability in results.
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