American journal of infection control
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Am J Infect Control · May 2007
Multicenter StudyPrescription of prophylactic antibiotics for neurosurgical procedures in teaching hospitals in Iran.
To assess the appropriateness of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis in neurosurgical procedures, using the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) guideline as reference, 110 patients were prospectively evaluated. Monitoring surgical antibiotic prophylaxis is crucial in ensuring appropriate use of antimicrobial agents in this setting. This will minimize the consequences of antibiotic misuse such as increased drug antibiotic resistance, adverse events, and higher costs to the institution. ⋯ This study indicates the need for interventions to improve the rational use of antibiotic prophylaxis in Iran to prevent the complications of inappropriate administration of antimicrobials and decrease unnecessary costs.
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Am J Infect Control · May 2007
Bacterial contamination of stethoscopes with antimicrobial diaphragm covers.
Antimicrobial stethoscope covers impregnated with silver ions have been developed to prevent surface contamination and potential transmission of bacterial pathogens to patients. To test their practical utility, covers were distributed with the manufacturers' recommendations to a mixed group of health care professionals in a medical/surgical intensive care unit and an emergency department. ⋯ After controlling for type of clinician, frequency of stethoscope cleaning, and method of stethoscope cleaning, only the presence of a stethoscope cover was associated with higher colony counts (P<.0001). We question the practical utility of the antimicrobial diaphragm covers evaluated in this study for reducing the surface colonization of potentially harmful microorganisms.