Viral contamination of intradermal skin test syringes

Intradermal skin tests are often performed using a common syringe with multiple needles. Bacterial contamination of intradermal skin test syringes can occur as a result of apparent siphoning caused by needle changing. The bacterial contamination of the syringe can be prevented by flushing the contam...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Annals of allergy Vol. 55; no. 6; p. 776
Main Authors:	Koepke, J W, Reller, L B, Masters, H A, Selner, J C
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	United States 01-12-1985
Subjects:	Equipment Contamination Intradermal Tests - instrumentation Intradermal Tests - methods Poliovirus - isolation & purification Skin Tests - instrumentation Syringes - standards
Online Access:	Get more information
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Summary:	Intradermal skin tests are often performed using a common syringe with multiple needles. Bacterial contamination of intradermal skin test syringes can occur as a result of apparent siphoning caused by needle changing. The bacterial contamination of the syringe can be prevented by flushing the contaminated needle prior to changing. In this study, two different needle changing techniques were examined using a polio virus contaminant. Viral contamination of the syringe was not prevented by flushing the infected needle prior to removal. All syringes were contaminated with virus regardless of needle changing technique. We, therefore, cannot recommend the continued use of a common syringe for intradermal skin tests between patients regardless of needle changing technique.
ISSN:	0003-4738