Microbiologic characteristics of unpreserved saline.

This study was designed to assess the microbiological risk associated with using unpreserved saline buffered with either borate or phosphate salts. The results indicate that borate buffer has measurable antimicrobial activity and can control some microbiological contamination. However, phosphate-buffered saline can become easily contaminated and usually promotes growth or maintains viability of adventitious contaminants.