Aspects of the microbiology of pharmaceutical preparations

A range of non-sterile pharmaceutical preparations and raw materials were examined to determine level and type of microbial contamination. Various culture media were evaluated and where necessary methods developed to improve analysis. Emphasis was placed on development of membrane filtration procedures and evaluation of such procedures using natural contaminants of raw materials or final preparations rather than laboratory cultured organisms. Microbiological aspects of the manufacturing processes for creams and tablet preparations were also examined. [Continues.]