Pseudo-outbreak of haemodiafiltration dialysis fluid contamination: results of a detailed epidemiologic investigation

Abstract

Background

Compliance with dialysis fluid ultrapurity standards is a paramount for online modalities. More than 200 dialysis fluid samples have been analyzed monthly for years in our two dialysis units, with compliant microbiological results until mid-2020.

Aim

In mid-2020, an unusual occurrence (30%) of contaminated dialysis fluids in dialysis units led us to investigate to determine the source.

Methods

Microbiological methods for aquaphilic bacteria culturing and endotoxin detection in dialysis fluids were routinely performed on a monthly basis for all dialysis machines. As the contamination appeared randomly and almost simultaneously in our two units without any routine change or febrile syndrome, we searched for a common cause. Supplier's sampling kits as well as microbiological laboratory procedures were scrupulously investigated.

Findings

21 out of 30 sampling bags filled with sterile water brought back numerous fungi and bacteria. Laboratory's investigation, through the negative control tests performed routinely, exonerated the lab. All batches of bags analyzed later showed variable levels of contamination according to their transport/storage mode or date of manufacturing. Analyses performed by the supplier – methods complying with the medical device's standards but different from those recommended for dialysis fluids purity – remained negative.

Conclusion

Our investigation revealed that the contamination of our sampling kits came presumably from the manufacturer's supplying chain. Such false-positive results findings, created serious safety issues and disturbed clinical activities since positive machines were quarantined. Furthermore, it raised a serious concern about manufacturing, microbiological checking and shipping methods for the medical device industry that deserve further attention.