Breaches of infection control protocol may have contributed to three patients who were infected with MRSA after receiving epidural shots at a West Virginia outpatient pain clinic, according to a study published in the American Journal of Infection Control.
According to the study, three patients were hospitalized in May 2009 with MRSA after receiving epidural injections. To evaluate what contributed to the infections, researchers retrospectively studied patients who received injections during a three-week period and compliance to infection control protocols.
The researchers found eight of 110 patients met the case definition for laboratory-confirmed infection or clinical evidence of infection. During this time, the researchers also observed inadequate use of face masks and skin preparation on patients. In addition, epidural infection syringes were reused.
The researchers suggested these infection control lapses most likely contributed to the infections.
According to the study, three patients were hospitalized in May 2009 with MRSA after receiving epidural injections. To evaluate what contributed to the infections, researchers retrospectively studied patients who received injections during a three-week period and compliance to infection control protocols.
The researchers found eight of 110 patients met the case definition for laboratory-confirmed infection or clinical evidence of infection. During this time, the researchers also observed inadequate use of face masks and skin preparation on patients. In addition, epidural infection syringes were reused.
The researchers suggested these infection control lapses most likely contributed to the infections.
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