Evaluation of the Sterility of Reynolds Wrap Aluminum Foil for Use During Rodent Surgery.

In biomedical research, surgeons are often responsible for simultaneously conducting rodent surgical procedures, monitoringanesthesia, and adjusting nonsterile equipment. Maintaining appropriate aseptic technique can be challenging when workingunder these conditions. Applying a sterile barrier material such as aluminum foil to nonsterile surfaces in these circumstancesoffers an innovative, inexpensive option to improve asepsis. The purpose of this study was to validate the sterility of foodgrade aluminum foil for use as a sterile barrier on nonsterile equipment during rodent surgery. In this investigation, 10 boxesof aluminum foil were assessed for sterility by using ATP swabs and replicate organism detection and counting (RODAC)plates at 0, 14, and 28 d and 6 mo. At 6 mo, foil was applied to surgical equipment, and sterility was assessed by using ATPswabs and RODAC plates. Results revealed no ATP-positive results at any time point. During assessment of samples obtaineddirectly from boxes, RODAC plates yielded minimal bacterial growth (1 cfu per plate) in 2 of the 10 boxes at initial testingand in 1 box at the day 0, day 14, and 6 mo time points. No growth was observed at day 28 (tested directly from the box) orat 6-mo apparatus testing. Our data revealed minimal bacterial growth on tested samples and support the use of ReynoldsWrap aluminum foil as a sterile barrier on nonsterile surfaces during aseptic rodent surgery.