OR PathTrac (Tracking Intra-operative Bacterial Transmission)

An Investigation of Novel Technology to Bring Genomic Analysis to the Patient Bedside to Systematically Track and Report on ESKAPE Bacterial Transmission in Today's Operating Room Environments

Healthcare-associated infections occur frequently and are associated with patient harm. These infections are becoming more difficult to treat due to antibiotic resistance. It is important that healthcare facilities take the steps necessary to prevent the spread of resistant bacteria between patients.

Two patients undergoing sedation in a randomly selected operating room will be evaluated in a serial manner in order to detect transmission of pathogenic bacteria. Patient care will not change due to their participation in this study; the patients will undergo sedation and surgery according to usual practice. This study involves taking microbiology cultures from various places in the operating room before and after each procedure. Cultures will also be taken from the two patients after they are asleep and from their intravenous tubing. From both patients anesthesiologist, surgeon and their surgical team, cRNA, and nursing staff will also have cultures obtained. Each cultures will be de-identified and given a study ID number before transport to the research laboratory for microbiological assay. The patient's medical record will be reviewed for 30 days after surgery to surveil for documentation of a potential hospital acquired infection.

Inclusion Criteria:

• At least 18 years of age
• Require peripheral intravenous and/or central venous catheter placement
• Undergoing gynecology/oncology, colorectal, open vascular, total joint or cardiovascular procedures.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Less than 18 years of age
• Does not require peripheral intravenous and/or central venous catheter placement
• Patient refusal to participate
• Incarceration