Efficient processing of MRSA screening specimens by a modified inoculation protocol

This study aims to evaluate the impact of this inoculation protocol on technicians’ workload and the downstream workflow in our laboratory. Batches of 50 specimens were processed by different technicians and the hands-on time was compared between the standard and modified inoculation protocol. To assess the impact on downstream processing, a retrospective analysis of the rate of subcultures and turnaround time (TAT) of specimens yielding putative MRSA colonies from 9 months before (n = 1548) and after (n = 1267) the protocol change was carried out based on laboratory information system (LIS) data. The implementation of the modified protocol significantly reduced technicians’ hands-on time needed for inoculation by 26.5% without altering the overall turnaround time of surveillance cultures or causing higher costs for extra plates needed for subcultures. Our modified inoculation protocol offers a cost-effective and easy to implement procedure for MRSA surveillance cultures which significantly decreases technicians’ workload and does not impede the downstream workflow. It therefore incre ases the capacity of laboratory technicians’ to execute more demanding tasks.
Source: European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases - Category: Microbiology Source Type: research