Hospital Infection Control & Prevention – December 1, 2010
December 1, 2010
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VA sharply reducing MRSA infections through patient screening — pressure builds on CDC to follow suit
In this issue we conclude our two-part special report "MRSA Patient Stories" with comments from clinicians and public health officials, particularly in light of emerging data indicating MRSA infections can be sharply reduced through patient screening programs. -
C. diff next infection on VA system radar
Applying the considerable power of infection control interventions across more than 150 hospitals nationwide, the Veterans Affairs (VA) system is planning to target Clostridium difficle in its next major initiative, Hospital Infection Control & Prevention learned. -
MRSA screening program saving lives and dollars
A universal screening program for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago is reducing infections by approximately 70% annually, says Jorge Parada, MD, MPH, infectious disease chief at the teaching hospital. -
CDC finalizing norovirus outbreak guidelines
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is finalizing new guidelines on prevention of norovirus infections and was expected to release them soon as this issue went to press. -
Needlestick risks remain, but safety goal fades away
Eliminating needlesticks was once an official federal goal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention promoted it as a "health care challenge." More modestly, Healthy People 2010 set a measurable goal of reducing needlesticks among hospital-based health care workers by 30%. -
New rapid test identifies active TB
A new rapid tuberculosis test promises to help reduce health care worker exposures through early identification of patients.