Fluid retention in endoscopes: A real-world study on drying effectiveness.

Background: Outbreaks linked to inadequate endoscope drying have infected numerous patients, and current standards and guidelines recommend at least 10 minutes of forced air for drying channels. This study evaluated a new forced-air drying system (FADS) for endoscopes.

Methods: Drying was assessed using droplet detection cards; visual inspection of air/water connectors, suction connectors, and distal ends; and borescope examinations of endoscope interiors.

Effect of an initial specimen diversion device on blood-culture contamination rates and vancomycin usage: A quasi-experimental study.

Initial specimen diversion devices (ISDDs) are a potential solution for reducing blood-culture contamination rates. We report the implementation of an ISDD associated with a sustained reduction in blood-culture contamination rates for >18 months after implementation. We did not observe a clinically significant reduction in inpatient vancomycin usage.

Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the infection prevention and control field: Findings from focus groups conducted with association for professionals in infection control & epidemiology (APIC) members in fall 2021.

Introduction: Emergence of the Delta variant in 2021 changed the pandemic landscape and led to healthcare surges across the US, despite availability of COVID-19 vaccine. Anecdotal information indicated that the infection prevention and control (IPC) field was changing, but formal assessment was needed.

Methods: Focus groups (6) were conducted with APIC members in November and December, 2021 to elicit infection preventionists' (IP) opinions changes to the IPC field due to the pandemic.

Infection preventionists' experiences during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic: Findings from focus groups conducted with association for professionals in infection control & epidemiology (APIC) members.

Introduction: COVID-19 epidemiology changed dramatically in spring 2021 when vaccine became widely available and the Delta variant emerged. There was a need to identify current infection prevention challenges due to changing pandemic epidemiology.

Methods: Six focus groups were conducted via Zoom with APIC members in November and December, 2021 to elicit infection preventionists' (IP) experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic after the Delta variant had emerged.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Cross-Contamination in the Operating Room: A Case Report.

complex (MTBC) false-positive cultures are commonly attributed to laboratory cross-contamination, but cross-contamination in the operating room (OR) is seldom reported. We report an investigation of cross-contamination in the OR for our case patient, who underwent surgical intervention for a chronic, left-sided breast lesion. Although the case patient had never received bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine or chemotherapy, a subsequent surgical sample culture was identified as MTBC by high-performance liquid chromatography and BCG-type by genotyping.

PPE training and the effectiveness of universal masking in preventing exposures: The importance of the relationship between anesthesia and infection prevention.

Early in the pandemic, infection prevention (IP), in collaboration with our local anesthesia leadership, took the approach of ensuring all members of the Anesthesia Department understood the importance of universal masking, were individually trained on the use of the Controlled Air Purifier Respirator, as well the appropriate method for donning/doffing N95 respirators. Multiple providers in the department tested positive for COVID, resulting in the IP Department to conduct the routine contact tracing investigation. During the investigation, it was determined that all persons who met the CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) contact exposure guidelines would undergo COVID testing, which consequently was 109 team members due to the exposure risk identified in the break room space.

Availability and crisis standards of care for personal protective equipment during fall 2020 of the COVID-19 pandemic: A national study by the APIC COVID-19 task force.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages in spring 2020, necessitating crisis protocols.

Methods: An online survey was administered to all Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology members in October, 2020 to assess PPE availability and crisis standards utilized in fall, 2020.

Results: In total, 1,081 infection preventionists participated.

Process for disinfection of N95 respirators during COVID-19 utilizing sterile processing department: A single center acute care hospital.

During the COVID-19 crisis, disposable N-95 filtering face piece respirators became a critical supply in many health care institutions. Infection preventionists nationwide struggled with ensuring their facilities had personal protective equipment available while utilizing crisis capacity strategies. Many facilities began using US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and US Food and Drug Administration guidance to disinfect and reprocess N95 respirators for extended use.

Availability of personal protective equipment and infection prevention supplies during the first month of the COVID-19 pandemic: A national study by the APIC COVID-19 task force.

Background: SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 disease was first discovered in China in December, 2019. The disease quickly spread globally, with the first US case identified in January, 2020; it was declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Soon after, anecdotal reports indicated that many US hospitals and healthcare facilities were running low on personal protective equipment (PPE) and supplies.

Operating room traffic in total joint arthroplasty: Identifying patterns and training the team to keep the door shut.

Background: Surgical site infections after joint arthroplasty are devastating complications and are influenced by patient, surgical, and operating room environmental factors.

Methods: In an effort to reduce the incidence of door openings (DOs) during total joint arthroplasty cases, this prospective observational study consisted of 3 phases. Phase 1 determined the baseline incidence of DOs, followed by installation of a mechanical door counter (phase 2).