Abstract
Background
A shortage of indigotindisulfonate sodium has led to a search for an alternative visualizing agent.
Objective
The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the potency and sterility of 10% sodium fluorescein, USP solutions stored in sterile polypropylene syringes and refrigerated.
Methods
Four samples of 10% fluorescein injection, USP were aseptically drawn up in 3 mL polypropylene syringes and stored in a refrigerator at an average temperature of 3.9°C for 7 days. After 7 days, the samples were cultured for microbial growth. Four other samples were assayed by UV/VIS spectroscopy. Concentration measurements were made at day 0 and at day 7. The pH was also measured at day 0 and day 7.
Results
There was no statistical difference between the mean sodium fluorescein concentration at day 0 and at day 7 (α = 0.05, p = .622). There was no statistical difference in the pH of the samples at day 0 and at day 7 (α = 0.05, p = .0689). There was no evidence of microbial growth in any of the samples for the duration of the study period.
Conclusions
The findings of this study demonstrate that a sterile solution of 10% sodium fluorescein, USP retained its potency and showed no signs of microbial growth for a period of 7 days when refrigerated and stored in sterile polypropylene syringes.
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