Prevention of radioactive indicator and viral particle transmission with an ointment barrier.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy of a lanolin-based gel in preventing radioactive particle and viral penetration.

METHODS

Paired, stacked filter discs were held in a stainless steel support, and the gel was applied manually to the upper surface of the upper filter. Indicator solution containing either radioactive viral particles (3H-labeled simian virus 40 or 3H-labeled woodchuck hepatitis virus) or 20 microliters or 100 microliters of 32P-labeled radioactive compounds of much lower molecular weight then were applied to the upper filter. The filter discs were separated after 30 minutes, and the lower disc was examined for radioactivity in a liquid scintillation counter.

RESULTS

Transmission of radioactive particles was statistically significantly reduced by the application of the ointment on the upper filter (from 6.7 +/- 0.1 x 10(5) counts per minute [cpm] to 88 +/- 38 cpm). Transmission of both labeled viral particles also was reduced to a similar degree.

CONCLUSIONS

Application of protective ointment to the filters significantly reduces transmission of radioactive viral particles and smaller radioactive compounds through filter discs. Use of this ointment may offer similar mechanical protection against the transmission of viruses between patient and healthcare provider.