Tag: healthcare associated infections

Water quality: 5 Ws and an H for sterile processing pros

Asking who, what, why, when, where, and how—otherwise known as the “5 Ws and an H”— is a time-tested way for writers and researchers to ensure comprehensive coverage of any topic. Here, we apply this framework from the perspective of sterile processing department (SPD) professionals seeking to start a water…

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By: Angela Lewellyn, LPN, CRCST, CER, CHL
August 28, 2024
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Study reveals how OR ventilation, patient positioning impact surgical site infection risk

Editor's Note Optimizing patient positioning can help reduce the risk of surgical site infections due to airborne contaminants in positive-pressure ORs, according to a study published August 12 in Nature: Scientific Reports. Maintaining higher pressure than adjacent spaces prevents entry of contaminants from environments external to the OR. For this…

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By: Matt Danford
August 12, 2024
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Scaling standards from sterile processing department to clinic

Reforming instrument reprocessing practices does not always end with the main sterile processing department (SPD). Holding clinics to the same standard adds to the challenge, whether they are associated with hospitals or operate independently. Nonetheless, standardization is just as essential to maintaining efficiency and quality standards. Whether a clinic is…

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By: Angela Lewellyn, LPN, CRCST, CER, CHL and Vanessa Frank, CRCST, CHL, CER, CIS
June 24, 2024
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Study: Infection risk unaffected by colonoscopy, joint replacement timing

JAMA (healthcare publication) Network logo

Editor's Note A study published May 7 in JAMA Open found no significant risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) when colonoscopy is performed within one year of total joint arthroplasty (TJA), whether the colonoscopy was done before or after the surgery. However, certain comorbidities such as kidney and pulmonary disease,…

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By: Matt Danford
May 28, 2024
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Antiseptic nasal decolonization noses ahead

Over 20 years ago, an article from Johns Hopkins published in The New England Journal of Medicine showed that Staphylococcus aureus decolonization of the nares can decrease risk of surgical site infections (SSI). Since then, nasal decolonization—the application of a topical antimicrobial or antiseptic agent to the nares—has been adopted…

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By: Marc-Oliver Wright
May 24, 2024
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WHO guidelines target catheter-caused infections

Editor's Note New World Health Organization (WHO) guidance aims to prevent the occurrence of bloodstream and other infections caused by improper use of catheters during medical procedures. Released May 9, the global guidelines focus on insertion, maintenance, and removal of catheters during medical procedures, which can damage organs and cause…

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By: Matt Danford
May 13, 2024
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National hospital safety rankings reflect infection prevention, patient experience improvements

Editor's Note Released May 1, the most recent Leapfrog Group hospital patient safety grades reflect declines in preventable healthcare-associated infections and improvements in patient’s hospital experiences since fall 2023. Leapfrog, a nonprofit, releases its Hospital Safety Grades report biannually, assigning traditional letter grades to nearly 3,000 general hospitals based on…

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By: Matt Danford
May 3, 2024
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Researchers develop fast, accurate blood test for sepsis, septic shock

Editor's Note A new blood test developed by researchers in Australia could help diagnose sepsis and septic shock in just one hour, compared to the current multi-day methods. The Journal of Proteome Research reported the findings on March 21. Researchers collected blood plasma samples from 152 ICU patients. They used…

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By: Brita Belli
April 10, 2024
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FDA approves new antibiotic for staph, other infections

Editor's Note The US Food and Drug administration approved Zevtera for treating Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) bloodstream infections, which are often acquired in healthcare settings. In the April 3 announcement, the agency notes the new antibiotic Zevtera (ceftobiprole medocaril sodium for injection) is effective for SAB-infected patients with right-sided infective…

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By: Matt Danford
April 4, 2024
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ChatGPT, Mixtral AI systems show promise in detecting healthcare-associated infections

Editor's Note Based on the performance of two specific systems in detecting healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in a recent study, artificial intelligence (AI) could help providers enhance surveillance, streamline tasks, and free staff to focus on patient care. Published March 14 in The American Journal of Infection Control, the study assessed…

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By: Matt Danford
April 2, 2024
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