The effects of exposure at room temperature to pharmacopuncture within a syringe: an investigation of changes in microbiological safety

Objectives: The main aim of this study is to evaluate changes in the microbiological safety of pharmacopuncture exposed to room temperature for an elapsed period of time. Methods: The four most frequently used pharmacopuncture products were stored in syringes at room temperature at three different hospitals for 24 hours and 48 hours respectively and they were compared with pharmacopuncture products stored in vials through a sterility and microbial limited test. Results: Storage forms and duration of exposure to room temperature did not show significant difference in bacterial or fungal contamination which was confirmed by the sterility and microbial limited test. Conclusions: Pharmacopuncture products stored in syringes at room temperature for 24 hours and 48 hours demonstrated their safety in terms of lack of microbiological contamination. Key Words: Pharmacopuncture; Safety; Microbiological safety.