11 Steps For Preventing Superbug MRSA Infections In MRI - New Video Released On Superbug Infections In Radiology
MRSA was originally identified in 1961 and is now widespread throughout healthcare facilities, both hospital and outpatient settings. The most common source for transmission of MRSA is by direct or indirect contact with people who have MRSA infections or are asymptomatic carriers.
A major concern for imaging centers is that MRSA can be carried by asymptomatic patients. Worldwide, it is estimated that up to 53 million people are asymptomatic carriers of MRSA. Of these it is estimated that 2.5 million reside in the United States. Approximately 1% of the U.S. population is colonized with MRSA. Both infected and colonized patients contaminate their environment with the same relative frequency.
The morbidity and mortality of these bacteria is staggering. On average, hospitalizations for the treatment of MRSA versus other infections have a length of stay approximately three times longer and are three times more expensive. Additionally the risk of death is three to five times greater for patients infected with MRSA versus methicillin sensitive Staph infections.
"Any patient lying on an imaging table could be a carrier capable of contaminating surfaces in the radiology suite," said Peter Rothschild M.D. who is attempting to transform the MRI community's attitude concerning infection control. He adds "MRSA and other pathogens can live on and in common MRI table pads and positioners for periods as long as several months."
Patients need to ask questions when they go to a hospital or imaging center for an MRI scan. What are the cleaning procedures? How old are the pads? Do the imaging technologists wash their hands between every patient? How do technologists disinfect the MRI table and pads?
"At many MRI centers, there exists a false belief that merely placing a clean sheet over contaminated table pads, without actually cleaning them between patients, will somehow prevent the spread of infectious agents. What is most concerning is that very few MRI centers regularly clean their pads even once a day, much less between patients," Dr. Rothschild continued. "Additionally, almost all pad sets I have seen in use that are over a few years old are torn or frayed and should have been discarded long ago. It is disgusting to see the terrible conditions of some of the pads that patients come in close contact with in these MRI centers. Old, torn and frayed pads are impossible to properly clean and are a breeding ground for bacteria."
To combat this potentially lethal public healthcare issue, Dr Rothschild has developed a technique for determining the safety of pads used in MRI. This technique involves using a magnifying glass to thoroughly examine all the seams for a tear or fraying and the use of a black light to check pads for biological contamination. However, few, if any, MRI centers have adopted these simple safety procedures.
Dr Rothschild advises, "The best way I have found for patients to protect themselves is to ask to see the center's written infection control policies before their scans, and visit the center. If there are no written policies I can assure you that infection control has a low priority at that MRI center and I would look for another MRI center where infection control was taken seriously."
11 Steps to for preventing Superbug infections in MRI
Suggestions for Infection control procedures for free-standing imaging centers and hospital radiology departments
The cleanliness of free-standing imaging centers and hospital radiology departments is crucial for reducing the spread of MRSA and other acquired infections. The following are 11 simple procedures to implement that can prevent the spread of these infections.
1. Have a written infectious control policy to include MRI cleaning procedures as well as the cleaning schedule and have it posted throughout the center.
2. Implement a mandatory hand washing / hand sanitizing procedure between patient exams for technologists and any others who come into contact with patients.
3. Clean the MRI tables, inside the bore of the magnet and any other items that come into contact with a patient. Infection control experts recommend this be done between each patient.
4. Clean all pads and positioners with an approved disinfectant. Infection control experts recommend cleaning after each patient.
5. Periodically inspect the pads with a magnifying glass, particularly at the seams, to identify fraying or tearing. If present, the pads should be replaced.
6. Regularly check all padding material with an ultraviolet (black) light and make sure that any biological material detected on the pads can be removed.
7. Replace damaged or contaminated pads with new pads incorporating permanent antimicrobial agents.
8. Use pillows with a waterproof covering that is designed to be surface wiped. Replace pillows when their barrier is compromised.
9. Promptly remove body fluids, and then surface disinfect all contaminated areas.
10. If a patient has an open wound or any history of MRSA/other infection:
a. Gloves and gowns should be worn by all staff coming in contact with the patient. These barriers must be removed before touching other areas not coming in contact with the patient, i.e. door knobs, scanner console, computer terminals, etc.
b. The table and all the pads should be completely cleaned with disinfectant before the next patient is scanned, if it is not already being performed between every patient. For patients with any known infectious process add 10-15 minutes onto the scheduled scan time to assure there is enough time to thoroughly clean the room and all the pads.
11. All furniture should be periodically cleaned. Ideal surfaces are those that are waterproof and wipeable. Infection control experts recommend this be done between each patient.
New video on spreading infections in MRI
A new video on infection control has been prepared by the authors of the white paper on Best Practices for infection control in MRI and is available online at http://www.patientcomfortsystems.com.
Educating the public
To request a copy of Dr. Rothschild's white paper, entitled "Preventing Infections in MRI: Best practices for infection control in and around MRI," write to dkohl@mlode.com.
About Peter Rothschild, MD
Dr. Peter Rothschild is considered one of the world's foremost Open MRI experts. He formerly served as Medical Director of the research laboratory at the University of California, San Francisco, where he helped develop the first commercially available Open MRI scanner. He is the editor of the first textbook on Open MRI, authored numerous papers on the subject and is a sought after speaker who lectures on MRI and its future. Dr. Rothschild is a Board Certified Radiologist and served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Radiology at the University of California at San Francisco. He earned his MD degree in 1981 from the University of Louisville, in Louisville, Kentucky. He is founder and president of Patient Comfort Systems Inc. a company dedicated to patient comfort and safety.
Funding: Patient Comfort Systems is a privately funded company and this research was done under funding provided by Patient Comfort Systems.
Patient Comfort Systems Inc.
11 paºi pentru prevenirea infecþiilor Superbug SAMR în MRi - un nou video puse pe Superbug infecþii în radiologie - 11 Steps For Preventing Superbug MRSA Infections In MRI - New Video Released On Superbug Infections In Radiology - articole medicale engleza - startsanatate