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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
11:17
Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses
Published on: August 30, 2018
Look before you leap: active surveillance for multidrug-resistant organisms
Daniel J Diekema1, Michael B Edmond
1University of Iowa Healthcare, Iowa City, IA, USA. daniel-diekema@uiowa.edu
Summary
Active surveillance cultures for MRSA and VRE in hospitals are resource-intensive and can have adverse effects. Careful planning, including lab preparation and monitoring outcomes, is crucial for effective implementation.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Disease
- Hospital Epidemiology
- Clinical Microbiology
Background:
- Hospitals face pressure to implement active surveillance cultures for MRSA and VRE.
- These cultures guide contact precautions to prevent healthcare-associated infections.
- Current practices are resource-intensive and may lead to unintended consequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline critical steps for planning and implementing active surveillance culture programs.
- To address the complexities and potential adverse effects of these interventions.
- To emphasize the importance of laboratory readiness and outcome evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Review of essential components for active surveillance culture programs.
- Focus on laboratory preparation and reducing test turnaround times.
- Strategies for monitoring and optimizing contact precautions and their adverse effects.
Main Results:
- Active surveillance for MRSA and VRE requires significant resources and careful planning.
- Laboratory efficiency and rapid test results are key to successful implementation.
- Monitoring and mitigating adverse effects of contact precautions are essential.
Conclusions:
- Instituting active surveillance culture programs necessitates thorough preparation.
- Optimizing laboratory workflows and contact precaution protocols is vital.
- Evaluating program effectiveness through outcome measurement ensures successful infection control.
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