Sterility validity period of vials after multiple sampling under vertical laminar airflow hood.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to validate the sterility period of vials after multiple sampling under Grade A vertical laminar airflow hood. METHODS: Vials filled aseptically with a sterile culture medium have been sampled with syringes three times a week over one month under Grade A vertical laminar airflow hood and in the mean-while, keeping the vials out of the laminar airflow hoods. RESULTS: No microbial growth has been observed. On the basis of these results, it has been decided to modify our standard operating procedures, to allow keeping the vials for two weeks in a box out of the laminar airflow hoods (ambient temperature Grade B) or any controlled environment (under refrigeration). CONCLUSIONS: This study validates the multiple use of vials of small to large volumes (5-100 mL), to simplify handling and to reduce the costs in centralized cytostatic reconstitution units in hospital pharmacies, with no microbial risk.