Abstract
Recent aggression in Ukraine has demonstrated the potential need for anesthesia in austere environments where temperatures alternate above and below the freezing point of many anesthesia medications. Propofol formulations differ by antimicrobial additive. Our research team studied the effects of multiple freeze-thaw cycles on propofol with sodium metabisulfite compared with Diprivan with EDTA. Preliminary results indicated substantial bottle-to-bottle variability in both formulations. Most molecules were less than 5 μm, with some globular formations as large as 100 μm. Propofol with sodium metabisulfite also showed pH variability outside the manufacturer’s stated range.
Justin Hefley
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and Site Director
Full-scope CRNA and military clinician focused on austere anesthesia, medical readiness, and evidence-based practice.