Mixing Instructions

  • The veterinary surgeon is responsible for determining antibiotic type and dosage to be used. Antibiotic is not included in kit.
  • Four mixing techniques are provided for optimal mixing of powdered and liquid antibiotics:
  1. Standard – Powder
  2. Standard – Liquid
  3. Non-Standard – Powder
  4. Non-Standard – Liquid
  • A Set Time Chart is provided to approximate set time for commonly used antibiotics. Set times vary based on antibiotic type and dosage. It is advisable to prepare beads within a sterile field prior to the start of a surgical case.

Set Time Chart

Antibiotic Mixing Technique Approximate Set Time
Gentamicin (400mg) Standard – Liquid 20 Minutes
Amikacin (500mg)* Non-Standard – Liquid* 50 Minutes*
Cefazolin (500mg-1g) Non-Standard – Powder 15 Minutes
Vancomycin (500mg-1g) Standard – Powder 10 Minutes
Gentamicin (400mg) / Cefazolin (500mg-1g)** Standard – Liquid** 15 Minutes**
Gentamicin (400mg) / Vancomycin (500mg-1g)** Standard – Liquid** 15 Minutes**
Ceftazidime (500mg-1g) Non-Standard – Powder 25 Minutes
Chloramphenicol (500mg-1g) Non-Standard – Powder 15 Minutes
Meropenem (500mg-1g) Non-Standard – Powder 25 Minutes
Ceftiofur (500mg) Non-Standard – Powder 30 minutes
Florfenicol (600mg)* Non-Standard – Liquid* 90 Minutes*
Amphotericin B (50mg) Non-Standard – Powder 95 Minutes

* Set time is based on 2ml of mixing solution and 2ml of liquid antibiotic using the Non-Standard – Liquid mixing technique. Set time for Amikacin (1g) using the Standard – Liquid mixing technique is 4 hours.

** Combine KERRIER powder with antibiotic powder, then add 4ml of liquid antibiotic (no mixing solution required).

DNS (Does Not Set)
Imipenem – Powder
Enrofloxacin – Liquid
Clindamycin – Liquid

Mixing Instructions

1Empty KERRIER powder into mixing bowl
2Using sterile technique, add antibiotic powder to mixing bowl and combine
3Add mixing solution (4ml saline) to mixing bowl
4Use mixing tool to stir until paste is formed
5Use mixing tool to spread paste into either 3mm or 5mm cavities of bead mold mat
6Allow to set, then flex mold mat to release beads
7Compress bead between thumb and finger to ensure fully set

CAUTION: A total of 4ml of liquid is required to mix KERRIER powder to a paste. Combinations of liquid antibiotics and mixing solution (saline) must equal 4ml.

1Empty KERRIER powder into mixing bowl
2Using sterile technique, add liquid antibiotic to mixing bowl
3If needed, add additional mixing solution (saline) to equal a total of 4ml of liquid to mixing bowl
4Use mixing tool to stir until paste is formed
5Use mixing tool to spread paste into either 3mm or 5mm cavities of bead mat
6Allow to set, then flex mold mat to release beads
7Compress bead between thumb and finger to ensure fully set

NOTE: For slower setting antibiotics (example: Amikacin), a Non-Standard technique should be used to reduce set time. Mixing KERRIER powder with mixing solution (saline) first, without antibiotic, will accelerate the setting process. It is advisable to prepare beads within a sterile field prior to the start of a surgical case.

1Empty KERRIER powder into mixing bowl
2Add mixing solution (4ml saline) to mixing bowl
3Use mixing tool to stir for 60 seconds
4Using sterile technique, add antibiotic powder to mixing bowl
5Use mixing tool to stir for 30 seconds until paste formed
6Use mixing tool to spread paste into either 3mm or 5mm cavities of bead mat
7Allow to set, then flex mold mat to release beads
8Compress bead between thumb and finger to ensure fully set

NOTE: For slower setting antibiotics (example: Amikacin), a Non-Standard technique should be used to reduce set time. Mixing KERRIER powder with mixing solution (saline) first, without antibiotic, will accelerate the setting process. It is advisable to prepare beads within a sterile field prior to the start of a surgical case.

CAUTION: A total of 4ml of liquid is required to mix KERRIER powder to a paste. Combinations of liquid antibiotics and mixing solution (saline) must equal 4ml.

1Empty KERRIER powder into mixing bowl
2Determine volume of liquid antibiotic to be used
3If needed, calculate amount of mixing solution (saline) needed to equal the required 4ml of total liquid
4Add calculated amount of mixing solution (saline) to mixing bowl (without antibiotic) and stir thoroughly for 60 seconds. Mix will be dry
5Using sterile technique, add liquid antibiotic to mixing bowl and stir for 30 seconds until a paste is formed
6Use mixing tool to spread paste into either 3mm or 5mm cavities of bead mat
7Allow to set, then flex mold mat to release beads
8Compress bead between thumb and finger to ensure fully set