Does the handling time of unrefrigerated human fecal specimens impact the detection of Clostridium difficile toxins in a hospital setting?

Background: The stability of Clostridium difficile toxins is an important factor in determining the accuracy of the enzyme immunoassay (EIA). The Centers for Disease Control has stated that C. difficile toxins may become undetectable in unrefrigerated stool specimens within 2 h after collection.

Impact of patient education on quality of bowel preparation in outpatient colonoscopies.

Background: High-quality bowel preparation is essential for successful outpatient colonoscopy. Currently, the rate of adequate bowel preparation for outpatient colonoscopy in the USA is low. Patients often fail to adhere to recommended preparation instructions.

Impact of a pharmacy resident on hospital length of stay and drug-related costs.

Background: The impact of pharmacy residents' interventions on medical rounds has not been well evaluated.

Objective: To assess the impact of a resident's interventions on hospital length of stay, describe the types of interventions, and assess drug-related cost savings.

Methods: Using a matched control design, we conducted an evaluative study of adults admitted to a general internal medicine unit over one month.