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Do variations in nasal irrigation recipes and storage effect the risk of bacterial contamination?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 December 2022

J D Whittaker Open the ORCID record for J D Whittaker [Opens in a new window] ,
E Baker ,
S Kumar ,
R Collingwood ,
M West  and
P K Lee
J D Whittaker*
Affiliation:
ENT, Walsall Manor Hospital, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, UK
E Baker
Affiliation:
Microbiology, Queen's Hospital Burton, University Hospital of Derby and Burton NHS Trust, Burton-on-Trent, UK
S Kumar
Affiliation:
ENT, Leicester Royal Infirmary, University Hospital of Leicester NHS Trust, UK
R Collingwood
Affiliation:
Microbiology, Queen's Hospital Burton, University Hospital of Derby and Burton NHS Trust, Burton-on-Trent, UK
M West
Affiliation:
Microbiology, Queen's Hospital Burton, University Hospital of Derby and Burton NHS Trust, Burton-on-Trent, UK
P K Lee
Affiliation:
ENT, Queen's Hospital Burton, University Hospital of Derby and Burton NHS Trust, Burton-on-Trent, UK
*
Corresponding author: Dr JD Whittaker, Ear, Nose and Throat, Walsall Manor Hospital, Walsall Healthcare NHS trust, Moat Road, Walsall WS2 9PS, UK E-mail: Joshua.whittaker@nhs.net
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Abstract

Objective

Make-at-home nasal irrigation solutions are often recommended for treating chronic rhinosinusitis. Many patients will store pre-made solution for convenient use. This study investigated the microbiological properties of differing recipes and storage temperatures.

Method

Three irrigation recipes (containing sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate and sucrose) were stored at 5oC and 22oC. Further samples were inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Sampling and culturing were conducted at intervals from day 0–12 to examine for bacterial presence or persistence.

Results

No significant bacterial growth was detected in any control solution stored at 5oC. Saline solutions remained relatively bacterial free, with poor survival of inoculated bacteria, which may be related to either lower pH or lower osmolality. Storing at room temperature increased the risk of contamination in control samples, particularly from pseudomonas.

Conclusion

If refrigerated, pre-made nasal irrigation solutions can be stored safely for up to 12 days without risking cross-contamination to irrigation equipment or patients.

Keywords

Nasal LavageRhinitisNasal PolypsImmunologyAllergySinusitis
Type
Main Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 137 , Issue 7 , July 2023 , pp. 794 - 798
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of J.L.O. (1984) LIMITED

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Footnotes

*

The online version of this article has been updated since original publication. A notice detailing the change has also been published.

Dr J D Whittaker takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

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