Automated detection of methicillin-resistant with the MRSA CHROM imaging application on BD Kiestra Total Lab Automation System.

The virulence of methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and its potentially fatal outcome necessitate rapid and accurate detection of patients colonized with MRSA in healthcare settings. Using the BD Kiestra Total Lab Automation (TLA) System in conjunction with the MRSA Application (MRSA App), an imaging application that uses artificial intelligence to interpret colorimetric information (mauve-colored colonies) indicative of MRSA pathogen presence on CHROMagar chromogenic media, anterior nares specimens from three sites were evaluated for the presence of mauve-colored colonies. Results obtained with the MRSA App were compared to manual reading of agar plate images by proficient laboratory technologists.

Impact of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Team on Reducing Antiretroviral Medication Errors.

Numerous interventions have been used to reduce medication errors related to antiretroviral (ARV) therapy for hospitalized patients with HIV. This study assessed the impact of an antimicrobial stewardship (ASP) team intervention on reducing the rate of ARV therapy errors in patients admitted to an academic medical center. This observational, retrospective study included patients who received ARV therapy from June 2016 to December 2017.

A dual-center evaluation of platelet culture vials to detect the presence of microorganisms in platelets.

Background: Microorganism contamination of platelets results in a high risk of transfusion-related sepsis. Here, the ability of culture vials (BD BACTEC Platelet Aerobic/F and Platelet Anaerobic/F vials, Becton, Dickinson and Company) to detect microorganisms in leukoreduced apheresis platelets (LRAPs) and leukoreduced whole blood platelet concentrates (LRWBPCs) was assessed.

Methods: LRAPs or LRWBPCs were inoculated into Aerobic/F and Anaerobic/F vials and placed in a blood culturing system (BD BACTEC FX System, Becton, Dickinson and Company) for growth/monitoring over 7 days to detect preexisting contamination during false-positive testing.

Role of imager in developing world.

Medical imaging in the developing world is done by radiologists trained in the west or in the western manner. Yet they have to practise the specialty with equipment that is unreliable, poorly maintained, and difficult to repair. Developing countries face economic hardship, and the scarcity of radiologists and of imaging equipment is likely to continue.

Creating a cost-effective pain management task force in a community hospital. US Agency for Health Care Policy and Research.

The management of pain remains a major public health problem despite the release of guidelines by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research. An interdisciplinary team approach to quality pain management is not only essential to good pain management but also promotes cost-effective care.