The study EPICS-6 consists of three study phases. In phase one the novel POC-PCR-testing method for MSSA/MRSA-proof (cobas®LIAT®-System, Roche Molecular Systems Inc.) is technically established and integrated in Emergency Department procedures. After evaluation of processes and sample handling the second phase of this study assesses the prevalence of positive MSSA/MRSA-POC-testing in the general ED-population and in different risk groups. Based on the results of the previous study phases, the final phase comprises an interventional pre-post-comparison study. The interventional study assesses the impact of POC-result guided early decolonisation of MSSA/MRSA-colonized patients on in-hospital infection rates with MSSA/MRSA.
The study EPICS-6 consists of three study phases. Emergency Department patients are screened for nasal and pharyngeal colonisation with Methicillin sensitive and Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA/MRSA) using a point-of-care (POC)-PCR-testing method (cobas®LIAT®-System, Roche Molecular Systems Inc.) The first aim of this study is to describe the prevalence of MSSA/MRSA-colonisation in a routine cohort of Emergency Department patients. The second aim is to determine the impact of POC-guided decolonisation as compared to conventional laboratory testing on in-hospital infection rates with MSSA/MRSA in a pre-post-comparison study.