Patient screening 'can cut infection rates'
Monday 18th August 2008
The screening of patients for superbugs before they undergo surgery can significantly reduce infection rates, it has been suggested.
According to research conducted by doctors in Plymouth, testing for MRSA can identify people who carry the genetic fingerprint of the infection and enable medical staff to treat it prior to operations, the Plymouth Evening Herald reports.
Involving 681 patients, the study focused on people who were due to have surgery on their hearts between October 2005 and September 2006, in news which may be of particular relevance to those with UK cardiac jobs.
Of the subjects tested, 19 were found to be carrying MRSA and were treated with antibiotics.
"The study formed part of the evidence considered nationally and the Department of Health has now recommended that all patients undergoing planned surgery should be screened for MRSA by March 2009," stated Dr Peter Jenks, one of study's authors.
Meanwhile, under recent government proposals, hospitals which fail to meet basic hygiene standards could be fined up to £50,000.
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