Rapid Detection of Microbes in the Dialysis Solution by the Microcolony Fluorescence Staining Method (Millflex Quantum)

Abstract

A chemiluminescence system, Milliflex Quantum (MFQ), to detect microcolonies, has been used in the pharmaceutical field. In this study, we investigated aquatic bacteria in hemodialysis solutions sampled from bioburden areas in 4 dialysis faculties. Using MFQ, microcolonies could be detected after a short incubation period. The colony count detected with MFQ after a 48-hour incubation was 92% ± 39%, compared to that after the conventionally used 7-14-day incubation period； in addition, the results also showed a linear correlation. Moreover, MFQ-based analysis allowed the visualization of damaged cells and of the high density due to the excessive amount of bacteria. These results suggested that MFQ had adequate sensitivity to detect microbacteria in dialysis solutions, and it was useful for validating the conditions of conventional culture methods.