Research from Duke University is highlighting the trade-off between speed and safety when it comes to preparing sterile kits in advance of aseptic procedures. A simulation study found that reopening sterile procedural kits (and then closing them again for later use) for central line placement or spinal injections increases the risk of internal contamination, even though it may reduce setup time. The findings highlight the importance of careful kit handling to prevent potential infections.

The study has been recognized with a Resident/Fellow Travel Award in conjunction with the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA Pain Medicine) 51st Annual Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine Meeting, being held April 16-18 in Phoenix, AZ.

In the study, anesthesia faculty and trainees performed simulated procedures using two different preparation methods: opening kits immediately before use versus opening, setting up, and then re-closing kits for later use. Researchers applied a fluorescent ultraviolet dye to the outside of the kits to track any breaches in sterility.

Results showed that reopening kits led to substantially higher contamination inside the kits for both central line and spinal procedures, even though the overall time to set up the kits was shorter. Contamination of the mannequins themselves was rare and did not differ significantly between methods.

The study suggests that although reopening kits can save time, it carries a higher risk of contaminating internal components, which could increase infection risk in real-world procedures. Avoiding kit reopening or minimizing handling after initial opening may help maintain sterility and protect patients.

Primary author Katrina S. Bantis, DO, MS, will present “Fluorescent Assessment of Sterile Technique (Fast) for Opening Procedural Kits” on April 16, 2026, at 3:45 pm during the session “Neurologic Injury & the Path to Recovery.” Additional authors on the study are Brian Mendelson, MD, Emily S. Barney Hall, MD, Sophia S. Sourlis, MD, Sara Amaral, MD, Ashley Burke, Taylor Brown, Stratton Barth, and Michael Miller.

Source: American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA)