Cepheid Extends Rapid Molecular Diagnostics’ Leadership with FDA Clearance of Xpert Clostridium difficile/Epi
Sunnyvale, California, April 11, 2011—Cepheid announced that it has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market its Xpert(R) C. difficile/Epi test. Cepheid’s first Xpert C. difficile test has been available in the United States since July 2009.
ICUs from 350 Hospitals Reduce Central Line Bloodstream Infections by 35 Percent
Chicago, April 5, 2011—An interim report released by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) shows a 35 percent reduction in central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) among adult intensive care units from over 350 hospitals that are participating in the national On the CUSP: Stop BSI project.
Infections in ICUs Plummeting, Too Many Remain in Hospitals and Dialysis Clinics
March 8, 2011—The number of bloodstream infections in intensive care unit patients with central lines decreased by 58 percent in 2009 compared to 2001, according to a new CDC Vital Signs report.
Use of a Simple Three-Step Process and Prevention Algorithm to Protect Skin Shown to Reduce Pressure Ulcers
Skillman, New Jersey, February 25, 2011—ConvaTec, a world-leading developer and marketer of innovative medical technologies for community and hospital care, announced the introduction of a new national campaign to help reduce the risk of pressure ulcers in hospital and post-acute care settings.
Standard Register Unveils First Anti-Microbial Laser ID Band for Patients
Dayton, Ohio, February 21, 2011—Long recognized for its patient identification leadership, Standard Register (NYSE:SR) Healthcare unveiled the world’s first anti-microbial laser wristband for patient identification at the Healthcare Information Management System Society’s (HIMSS) Annual Conference and Exhibition in Orlando.
Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems Inc. Launches Online Tool to Help Reduce Number of Surgical Site Infections
Piscataway, New Jersey, February 16, 2011—Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems Inc., launched the Safe Surgery Initiative (www.safesurgeryinitiative.com), a website for providers, health plans and employers to provide customizable tools geared to educate providers and patients about preventing surgical site infections (SSI).
Automated UV-C Device Reduces Infectious Pathogens in Hospital Patient Rooms by More than 99.9% in Only 15 Minutes
Results of an 8-month hospital study, “Room Decontamination with UV Radiation,” were published in the October 2010 issue of “Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology.”
New National Awards to Recognize Progress Toward Eliminating Healthcare-Associated Infections
A new national awards program will recognize teams of critical care professionals, hospital units and healthcare institutions able to successfully reduce or eliminate healthcare-associated infections (HAI), a leading cause of death in the United States.
Hospital Surgery Infection Rates Made Public
The Washington State Hospital Association is releasing hospital-specific surgical infection rate data. This is the first time this information has been made public.
Study Finds SwabCap Passively Disinfects IV Needleless Connectors
A study and review performed by clinicians of PICC Excellence, Inc. found a disinfection cap that dispenses 70% isopropyl alcohol is effective in disinfecting IV needleless connectors after five minutes.
