Survey of MRSA screening policy and laboratory practice in Australia and New Zealand acute care hospitals

Abstract

Recently published international consensus documents have attempted to provide guidance for infection control professionals in the often contentious area of active surveillance for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). As well as hospital-based policies in this area, there are also national and state-based guidelines in both Australia and New Zealand.

In early 2007 a survey of infection control professionals in Australia and New Zealand was conducted to evaluate current local practice in the acute care setting and compare this with published recommendations. Questions were relevant only to a non-outbreak setting.

A total of 60 respondents from 57 institutions from all states and territories in Australia and New Zealand completed the survey.

There was wide variation in the reported use of active surveillance for MRSA, although 80% of respondents reported routine screening of at least some patient groups. The commonest patient groups targeted by active surveillance programs were those previously known to be MRSA positive (65%), transfers from other healthcare or residential care facilities (50%), ICU patients (42%) and prior to high-risk surgery (37%). Most laboratories used direct plating for culture of screening specimens and sampled multiple body sites in addition to nasal swabs.

This survey provides insight into current practice in this area in Australasia and should inform discussion regarding possible review of existing recommendations.