American journal of infection control
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Am J Infect Control · Apr 2006
Consideration of age at admission for selective screening to identify methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus carriers to control dissemination in a medical ward.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become an increasingly important pathogen responsible for hospital-acquired infections. Our study was to evaluate the efficiency of our selective screening program for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriers at admission to nonintensive care units. ⋯ Adding patients >80 years of age to our PRC definition would increase screening sensitivity (15 carriers identified for 128 patients sampled) and would enable early implementation of barrier precautions for the additional carriers identified.
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Am J Infect Control · Apr 2006
Multicenter StudyFactors associated with personal protection equipment use and hand hygiene among hemodialysis staff.
Because exposure to blood by health care workers is frequent during hemodialysis, gloves are required for all contact with patients and their equipment, followed by hand hygiene. In this study, we investigated factors associated with performing these practices as recommended. ⋯ Compliance with recommended hand hygiene and glove use practices by hemodialysis staff was low. The rationale for infection control practices specific to the hemodialysis setting was poorly understood by all staff. Infection control training should be tailored to this setting and should address misconceptions.