Persistence of micro- organisms on common hospital surfaces : Strategies to control their dissemination
by Alice N. Neely, PhD
The primary role of the infection-control practitioner is to reduce the risk of both patients and healthcare workers (HCWs) acquiring infections. Over the past several years, it has become apparent that some microorganisms have increased their potential to cause serious infections; for example, virulent strains of bacteria such as Clostridium difficile and community-acquired methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) have appeared within and outside medical facilities. In addition, newer viruses such as West Nile virus, SARS-associated coronavirus, and avian influenzahave emerged in humans. Antimicrobial resistance has increased in all varieties of microbes, whether fungi, viruses, or bacteria.

Misuse of prefilled flush syringes: Implications for medication errors and contamination
by Lynn Hadaway, MEd, RN, BC, CRNI

Prefilled syringes are now commonly used for routine flushing of all types of vascular access devices, and they offer numerous advantages. They provide a convenient unit-of-use dose, saving nursing time by avoiding having to draw up the flush solution from other fluid containers. Prefilled syringes prevent cross-contamination and infectious outbreaks from repetitive use of multiple-dose vials and large-volume bags of normal saline. In addition, they carry the proper label required by the National Patient Safety Goals of the Joint Commission.

Although these advantages encourage patient safety, there is the potential for misuse of prefilled saline syringes. While there have been no actual adverse events publicized so far, nurses have reported using these syringes in ways that encourage medication errors and contamination. A 2007 study of injectable-medication errors reported that 99% of nurses (n = 1039) believed that there is serious risk to patients if errors occur, and that 48% of errors are most likely to happen during preparation and administration of medication. This article will discuss these inappropriate uses that could put patients at risk for serious complications.

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Infection Control Resource is funded through an education
grant provided by Covidien, Sharps Safety Division