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A study published October 2007 in the Journal of the American MedicalAssociation estimated that MRSA infections resulted in the death of 18,650 outof 94,360 infected patients in the United States in 2005 -- death rate higherthan that of HIV/AIDS in the same year. Since then, many efforts have beenhighlighted to urge state and federal lawmakers to enact a bill requiring allincoming hospital patients be screened for MRSA upon being admitted.
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The costs involved when MRSA spreads through a hospital are staggering.The VA Medical Center of Pittsburgh estimated in September 2007 that nearly$35,000 is spent per patient in treatment for MRSA. In addition, the websitefor the Center for Medicare and Medicaid services states that CMS is analyzingthe need to adjust reimbursements for hospital-acquired infections such asMRSA.
"With the urgency currently associated with the MRSA screening, it iscritical that hospitals are able to implement screening tests with theappropriate level of quality control," said Michael J. Eck, President and CEOof AcroMetrix. "Many critical and costly treatment decisions will be based onthe results of these tests so it is important for patients that the tests areproperly monitored during all phases of the testing procedure."
Each lab can help to maintain CLIA compliance for qualitative PCR testssuch as those used to detect MRSA DNA by using the OptiQual MRSA PositiveControl daily. These controls contain inactivated whole MRSA bacteria,providing a safer method of monitoring the entire PCR process, from extractionthrough amplification and detection. Convenient and ready to use, the OptiQualMRSA Positive Control is stored at refrigerated temperatures. This product isfor Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
OptiQual(R) is a registered trademark of AcroMetrix.
About AcroMetrix
AcroMetrix, with facilities in Benicia, California and Alkmaar, TheNetherlands, provides a comprehensive line of molecular and serologicaldiagnostic quality control products that assist laboratories in meetingcurrent government regulations regarding quality. AcroMetrix maintains thisleadership role by consistently developing innovative standards, external runcontrols, and validation kits for molecular and serological testing in bloodscreening and clinical diagnostic laboratories. All AcroMetrix procedures aredeveloped and manufactured under cGMP, following applicable FDA and ISO/ECstandards. For more information on AcroMetrix please visit the company website at http://www.acrometrix.com.
SOURCE AcroMetrix
