Fitzpatrick, Margaret A, Katie J Suda, Swetha Ramanathan, Marylou Guihan, Charnetta Brown, Nasia Safdar, Martin Evans, et al. 2019. “Laboratory Practices for Identification and Reporting of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae in Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities.”. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology 40 (4): 463-66.
Abstract
Laboratory identification of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is a key step in controlling its spread. Our survey showed that most Veterans Affairs laboratories follow VA guidelines for initial CRE identification, whereas 55.0% use PCR to confirm carbapenemase production. Most respondents were knowledgeable about CRE guidelines. Barriers included staffing, training, and financial resources.