United States: MRI Expert Says Medical Malpractice Companies Concerned Over Lack of Infection Control in MRI.

Byline: manish03

Peter Rothschild, M.D., renowned radiologist and infection control authority, applauds medical malpractice insurance company CNA's Alert Bulletin, titled, "MRSA Alert: MRI Infection Creates New 'Superbug' Concerns."

CNA is the 7th largest U.S. commercial insurer and provides insurance protection to more than one million businesses and professionals.

The Bulletin discusses Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) infections and the death of 15-year-old Nile Moss from MRSA after he underwent an MRI. The report states, "In 2006, 15-year-old Nile Moss underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as an outpatient in a southern California hospital. Subsequently, he developed a high fever and pneumonia caused by Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria. The "Superbug" infection, apparently contracted from contaminated MRI equipment, did not respond to treatment, and Nile Moss died one day after being re-admitted to the hospital," according to the Bulletin. "One out of five patients who develops an invasive MRSA infection dies."

The Bulletin discusses the high cost of treating antibiotic resistant infections and notes that "These expenses are often borne by the hospital, as recent Medicare regulations prohibit reimbursement for costs related to preventable facility-acquired conditions."

The article further refers to infection control procedures developed by Rothschild, who is an MRI expert and author of the landmark paper, "Preventing Infection in MRI: Best Practices for Infection Control in and Around MRI."

Steps discussed within the Bulletin include thorough hand washing and sanitizing between patients, cleaning the imaging tables between uses, disinfecting pads and positioners after each patient, inspecting pad seams and surfaces periodically with a magnifying glass, checking pad material frequently with an ultraviolet light to identify possible bacterial contamination, and replacing old pads. The CNA Alert Bulletin further states, "Dr. Rothschild's work serves as a useful reminder that drug-resistant microbes may propagate in tabletops and other exposed surfaces in healthcare providers' offices. To reduce MRSA-related risks, all patient contact areas must be disinfected after each encounter."

The Bulletin admonishes health care providers to use both basic prevention strategies and advanced environmental hygiene measures to stop the spread of this deadly organism. The Bulletin concludes, "In order to protect patients, comply with new state laws and minimize liability exposure, healthcare administrators should make reducing the incidence of MRSA a high priority."

Dr. Rothschild applauds CNA for being proactive and advises MRI facilities: "There has been a tremendous interest among malpractice companies and law firms triggered by the death of Nile Moss ten days after undergoing an MRI. Lawyers are now advertising for patients who believe they contracted MRSA from their MRI exams. Unf

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