Testing reprocessing procedures with PCR based method
Editor's Note A real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sampling method for monitoring reprocessing of colonoscopes was successfully applied in this multicenter Italian study. PCR allowed identification of contaminated (59) and fully reprocessed (52) colonoscopes in 10 endoscopy units with high sensibility (98 %) and specificity (98%), within 3 to 4…
FDA clears updated design, labeling for Pentax duodenoscope
Editor's Note The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on February 7 announced that it had cleared the updated design and labeling for Pentax Medical's duodenoscope Model ED-3490TK. Pentax replaced the forceps elevator mechanism, O-ring seal, and distal end cap, and updated the Operation Manual to recommend annual maintenance. The design…
Colorectal ERP improves outcomes, lowers costs despite use of expensive drugs
Editor's Note Implementation of an enhanced recovery pathway (ERP) for colorectal surgical patients substantially reduced length of stay, total hospital costs, and direct pharmacy costs without increasing complications or readmission rates in this study. The study, which included 160 colorectal patients before ERP was implemented and 146 patients after implementation,…
New brochure focuses on HAI prevention
Editor's Note The Joint Commission on January 31 announced that a new brochure is available to help healthcare organizations inform patients about healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and prevention. The brochure, titled, “For Our Patients and Their Visitors: Help Prevent Infections,” is derived from the resource, “Compendium of Strategies to Prevent Healthcare-Associated…
FDA: Class I recall of AirLife Humidification Chamber, Heated Breathing Circuit Kits
Editor's Note The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on January 31 classified the recall by Vyaire Medical (Mettawa, Illinois) of its AirLife Humidification Chamber and Heated Breathing Circuit Kits as Class I, the most serious. The recall was initiated because of a manufacturing error that may cause parts of the…
FDA: AuroMedics recalls one lot of Levofloxacin
Editor's Note The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) on January 18 announced the recall by AuroMedics (East Windsor, New Jersey) of one lot of Levofloxacin in 5% Dextrose Injection 250 mg/50 mL in a single-use flexible container (NDC 55150-243-46, Lot CLF160003, Expiry date May 2018). The product has been found…
Study: Manual, automated cleaning equally effective for laparoscopes
Editor's Note In this experimental laboratory study, all cleaning and rinsing methods tested were effective in reducing the levels of organic residues on laparoscopic instruments. Four methods were examined: manual-only cleaning and rinsing with potable tap water manual cleaning and rinsing with potable tap water, followed by ultrasonic cleaning without…
FDA: Baxter recalls another lot of injectable amiodarone
Editor's Note The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) on January 23 announced the expansion by Baxter (Deerfield, Illinois) of its recall of Nexterone (amiodarone HCL) 150 mg/100 mL premixed injection to include a second lot (NC 109123). Lot NC 109925 was recalled in November 2017. The recall was initiated…
Postop wound monitoring app helps detect SSIs
Editor's Note A new smartphone app called “WoundCare” is successfully letting patients send images of their surgical wounds to nurses for monitoring, this study finds. The goal of the app, developed by researchers from the Wisconsin Institute of Surgical Outcomes Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison, is earlier detection of surgical…
New clinical practice guidelines address anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass
Editor's Note The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists, and the American Society of ExtraCorporeal Technology on January 19 announced the release of new clinical practice guidelines on the use of anticoagulants during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Among the guideline recommendations are: optimal heparin dosing for initiation and maintenance…
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