After a three-month investigation into a mycobacterium abscessus infection that killed four surgical patients, the Greenville Health System in South Carolina is updating its processes, according to an article on the Becker's Hospital Review website.
Mycobacterium abscessusis is typically found in soil and water and does not cause infections in healthy people. It is believed that tap water in the perioperative environment caused the breakout
New processes include:
• Installing bacteriologic point-of-use water filters in operating rooms
• Eliminating slow-flow areas of internal water pipes
• Flushing scrub sinks for 10 minutes in the morning before use
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