[Russ Swier]

When aerating my wort of an Irish Stout, the wand blew off the end of the O2 line dropping to the bottom of my Catalyst fermenter. The fact that I could not see it or that I would not be able to close the bottom valve later had me wondering what to do. I did the unthinkable. Soaked my arm in Star San and retrieved it. What are the possible problems I might encounter and what should I expect?
Thanks for any info.

[Bob357]

It'll probably be just fine. A good pitch of healthy yeast should outcompete anything that you may have introduced to the wort.

[tommymorris]

When aerating my wort of an Irish Stout, the wand blew off the end of the O2 line dropping to the bottom of my Catalyst fermenter. The fact that I could not see it or that I would not be able to close the bottom valve later had me wondering what to do. I did the unthinkable. Soaked my arm in Star San and retrieved it. What are the possible problems I might encounter and what should I expect?
Thanks for any info.

I have to admit I have done this (soaked my arm in Starsan and fished something from the wort). In my case, all came out fine.  There is definitely a risk of infection.

[denny]

No problem in my experience

[BrewBama]

I’ve done the ‘arm soak retrieve’ myself. Turned out fine.

[brewthru]

Using a stainless wand or other material? If used stainless wand that was cleaned and sanitized, I would not worry about it.

Come up with a cleaver name for the brew. "Magic Wand Stout". When friends drink the stout and ask about the name you then have a funny story to tell.