Is it MRSA?.......... Is it VRE?..........Is it GBS?

Microbiology Laboratory frequently receives above and other similar questions from our clients or their representatives.

It will be the goal of this newsletter in present and future issues to provide answers to such questions. We have named it “Micro. Matters”, which identifies it as being pertaining to Microbiology specialty, and also subtly emphasizes that it does matter, when it comes to its increasing important role in diagnosing some of the most significant diseases of the modern times.

Having been identified as highly significant Healthcare-Associated Infections or HAI’s, detection of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) are regarded as very important events for hospital or nursing home based patients, often requiring isolation.

Similarly, recognition of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) during pregnancy is important so that appropriate, timely precautions can be taken to prevent neonatal meningitis.

Microbiology Laboratory routinely attempts to monitor and flag these events on reports for the benefit of our clients. However, manual flagging of these events may occasionally fail.

In order for our clients and their Staff to readily identify the presence of VRE, MRSA or GBS on a culture report, the following guidelines are provided, where a quick glance at the items shown in bold below would identify if an isolate is any of the above. Posting this flyer at strategic locations in your facility may help get your Staff alerted to these events readily and effortlessly.

Additional questions regarding these or any other matters related to Microbiology may be directed to 1-229-671-2252.

http://www.doctorslabinc.com/pdf/microbiology/Micro%20Matters%2010-21-2008.pdf