Appropriate use of antimicrobials in health care continues to be a challenge. Reliable and reproducible antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods are necessary to provide the clinician with valuable information that can be translated into positive clinical outcomes at the bedside. However, there are nuances with these testing methods that, if unrecognized, could lead to misinterpretation of results and inappropriate antibiotic selection. This primer describes the common antimicrobial susceptibility tests used in the clinical microbiology laboratory and reviews how subtle differences in testing methods and technique can influence reported results. Clinicians who have a thorough understanding of qualitative and quantitative methods, automated susceptibility testing systems, and commonly used screening and confirmatory tests for antibiotic-resistant organisms can strengthen institutional antibiotic stewardship programs and improve patient outcomes.
A 71-year-old man developed a large multi-loculated subdural empyema following the evacuation of a chronic subdural haematoma. The pockets of pus were successfully evacuated endoscopically via the burr holes resulting in good recovery and no re-accumulation. The advantages of this technique and the difficulties encountered during this procedure are discussed.
Abstract. The use of a spray bottle for an antiseptic solution, and a method of attaching the catheter to a disposable urine bag are suggested and discussed.
Sununary. This new catheter is presented for its simplicity and not for any other specific function. It has had good patient acceptance and is extremely easy to make (patent pending).
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