‘Superbug’ materials available for ASCs — 5 things to know

The Association for Professional Infection Control and Epidemiology has made access to carbapenem-resistent Enterobacteriaceae materials available after an outbreak of this “superbug” was reported at UCLA’s Ronald Reagan Medical Center.

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Here are five quick notes from the report:

1. CRE comes from bacteria founding a healthy person’s digestive tract and can be displaced during serious medical care involving urinary catheters, intravenous catheters or surgery. This bacterium does not belong in the bladder or blood.

2. The digestive tract bacteria are antibiotic resistant, so infections are difficult to treat.

3. The CRE outbreak at UCLA’s Ronald Reagan Medical Center was linked to a contaminated endoscope, highlighting the importance of endoscope cleaning at ambulatory surgery centers.

4. In an abstract reported at the 2013 annual conference, the percentage of 275 scopes that didn’t pass cleanliness rating include:

• Duoendoscopes: 30 percent
• Gastroscopes: 24 percent
• Colonoscopes: 3 percent

5. The FDA issued a safety communication regarding ERCP endoscopes after the UCLA outbreak, which was the second of 2015.

More articles on accreditation:
14 essentials of credentialing in the ambulatory environment
AAAHC accredits Frisco Ambulatory Surgery Center in Texas
5 key changes in CMS guidance for ASC surveyors

At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Register to Attend Webinar

Is ambulatory care healthcare’s big margin engine? 4 leaders weigh in

Wednesday, July 29
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT

Presenters: Joe Ganley, athenahealthJeffrey Flynn, CASC, Gramercy Surgery CenterBryan Tsao, Access Center, Loma Linda University HealthJason Zepeda, Northridge Hospital Medical Center, CommonSpirit HealthGreg DeConciliis, PA-C, CASC, Boston Out­Patient Surgical Suites

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