Evaluating the accuracy of the MBT Lipid Xtract Kit for assessing colistin resistance in comparison to broth microdilution.

Colistin resistance testing methods such as broth microdilution (BMD) are time-consuming and labour intensive for clinical laboratories. MBT Lipid Xtract Kit on MALDI Biotyper Sirius System (Bruker, Billerica, MA, USA) utilizes lipidomic analysis to identify specific cell wall modifications associated with colistin resistance. We compared MBT to BMD (ComASP Colistin, Liofilchem) across 36 Gram-negative isolates (non-resistant MIC ≤2 µg ml, resistant MIC ≥4 µg ml).

Melting curve analysis reveals false-positive norovirus detection in a molecular syndromic panel.

Background: Molecular syndromic panels can improve rapidity of results and ease clinical laboratory workflow, although caution has been raised for potential false-positive results. Upon implementation of a new panel for infectious diarrhea (BioFire® FilmArray® Gastrointestinal [GI] Panel, bioMérieux) in our clinical laboratory, a higher than expected number of stool samples with norovirus were detected.

Objectives: The goal of this study was to investigate positive percent agreement and the false-positive rate of norovirus detected by the multiplex BioFire GI panel compared to a singleplex commercial assay.

Stability of BK polyomavirus DNA in urine over time and analytical evaluation of an automated BKV quantitative nucleic acid test.

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) quantitative testing is an important screening tool post-transplantation, although interpretation can be challenging due to lack of standardization, assay heterogeneity and variability of BKPyV DNA over time (in urine). Remnant clinical EDTA plasma and urine samples were tested by the cobas BKV test and a validated laboratory-developed test (LDT). Accuracy [positive and negative percent agreement (PPA and NPA), Pearson's correlation, Bland-Altman analysis] and reproducibility were evaluated.

Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern, Including B.1.1.28/P.1, British Columbia, Canada.

To screen all severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-positive samples in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and determine whether they represented variants of concern, we implemented a real-time reverse transcription PCR-based algorithm. We rapidly identified 77 samples with variants: 57 with B.1.

Reduction in hospital-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus with daily chlorhexidine gluconate bathing for medical inpatients.

Background: Daily bathing with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) is increasingly used in intensive care units to prevent hospital-associated infections, but limited evidence exists for noncritical care settings.

Methods: A prospective crossover study was conducted on 4 medical inpatient units in an urban, academic Canadian hospital from May 1, 2014-August 10, 2015. Intervention units used CHG over a 7-month period, including a 1-month wash-in phase, while control units used nonmedicated soap and water bathing.