Variable Screening and Decolonization Protocols for Staphylococcus aureus Carriage before Surgery

We surveyed the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America Research Network, the Minnesota Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, and the Minnesota Hospital Association to assess presurgical Staphylococcus aureus screening and decolonization practices. The practices varied widely among responding facilities. The majority of respondents (63%) did not screen for S. aureus preoperatively.

Kline S, Highness M, Herwaldt LA, Perl TM. Variable Screening and Decolonization Protocols for Staphylococcus aureus Carriage Prior to Surgical Procedures. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology. 2014;35:880-882. doi:10.1086/676866