Boris Buerke MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Alexander Mellmann, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Christoph Schuelke, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Anna Knauer, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Walter Leonhard Heindel MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Johannes Wessling MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Evaluation of three different injection system in multi-slice CT with regard to hygienic aspects, efficiacy and handling.

A total of n=635 patients were included. A double-syringe contrast injector with prefilled syringes (system A; n=130)and disposable syringes (system B; n=130)  were microbiologically analyzed after single use of the syringes in one patient. Moreover, contamination of a roller pump injector capable of multi-dosing for several patients from a contrast agent container, without the need for prior filling, was determined after being used for an entire day (system C; n=25 injections/day, 15 days). The time required for assembly of the injection systems and filling or refilling for each injector system was measured. Additionally, the handling of the three systems was subjectively ranked by the technicians.

Injection systems A, B and C remained microbiologically sterile and free of contamination throughout their use in clinical routine. The time for injection system assembly and installation of syringes and filling did not differ significantly between injection system A and B (A: 1.9±1.3 minutes; B: 2.5±1.1; p=0.12), while the time for assembly of system C was significantly shorter (0.9±0.6 minutes; A: p<0.05, B: p<0.05). In the subjective ranking of handling, system A and C were preferred.

Double-syringe injectors used with disposable or prefilled contrast agent syringes, as well as roller pump injectors, ensure hygienic conditions in clinical routine. However, regarding time efficiency and handling prefilled and roller pump systems are preferred.

Hygiene is more and more topic of interest in clinical radiology. However, increased patient throughput and hygienic application of contrast agent by automatic injectors are reluctant.

Buerke, B, Mellmann, A, Schuelke, C, Knauer, A, Heindel, W, Wessling, J, Hygienic Aspects and Efficiency of Disposable, Prefilled, and Multidosing Roller Pump Systems in Automatic Multislice CT Injectors.  Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11003084.html