Infection control and hospital epidemiology : the official journal of the Society of Hospital Epidemiologists of America
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Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol · Sep 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialProspective randomized trial of 3 antiseptic solutions for prevention of catheter colonization in an intensive care unit for adult patients.
To compare the effectiveness for prevention of central venous and arterial catheter colonization of 3 skin antisepsis with 1 of 3 antiseptic solutions: 10% aqueous povidone iodine (aqueous PI), 2% aqueous chlorhexidine gluconate (aqueous CG), and 0.5% alcoholic chlorhexidine gluconate (alcoholic CG). ⋯ The aqueous and alcoholic CG solutions for cutaneous antisepsis were similarly effective in preventing colonization of central venous catheters and arterial catheters. Both had significantly lower incidences of colonization than did the aqueous PI solution; this effect seems to be related to the CG solutions' more efficacious prevention of colonization with gram-positive bacteria.
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Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol · Sep 2008
Discordant QuantiFERON-TB Gold test results among US healthcare workers with increased risk of latent tuberculosis infection: a problem or solution?
In late 2006, our hospital implemented use of the QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT-G) assay, a whole-blood interferon-gamma release assay, for detection of tuberculosis infection. All newly hired healthcare workers (HCWs) with positive Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST) results were routinely tested with the QFT-G assay, to take advantage of its higher specificity. We then undertook a quality assurance review to evaluate the QFT-G test results in HCWs with multiple risk factors for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). ⋯ The extreme discordance between the results of our clinical diagnostic algorithm and the results of QFT-G testing raises concern about the sensitivity of the QFT-G assay for detection of LTBI in our HCWs. Results of extended stimulation assays suggest that many of our IR HCWs have indeed been sensitized to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is possible that the QFT-G assay identifies those at higher reactivation risk rather than all previously infected, but, in the absence of long-term follow-up data, we should interpret negative QFT-G results with some caution.
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Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol · Sep 2008
Automated surveillance for central line-associated bloodstream infection in intensive care units.
To develop and evaluate computer algorithms with high negative predictive values that augment traditional surveillance for central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). ⋯ An automated approach to surveillance for CLABSI that is characterized by a high negative predictive value can accurately identify and exclude positive culture results not representing CLABSI from further manual surveillance.
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Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol · Sep 2008
Poor functional status as a risk factor for surgical site infection due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
To identify risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI) due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). ⋯ Poor functional status was highly associated with SSI due to MRSA in adult surgical patients, regardless of age. A patient's level of independence can be easily determined, and this information can be used preoperatively to target preventive interventions.