Change in resident’s mental status doesn’t always equal infection, new guidance cautions
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 10, 2020
The authors provide a framework for infection workups when residents present with a non-specific sign or symptom. The revised guidance also reviews the latest evidence on how best to evaluate non-localized...
Peanut butter brand recalled after seniors sickened in Minnesota facility
Jan 13, 2009
A brand of peanut butter is being recalled nationally after an open container tested positive for salmonella bacteria in a Minnesota senior care facility.
One in five COVID-19 tests fail to detect virus
By
Alicia Lasek
May 27, 2020
One in five COVID-19 PCR tests deliver false negative results — and sometimes the failure rate is far worse, according to Johns Hopkins University researchers.
Infection detection
By
Julie Williamson
Mar 01, 2014
Prompt treatment and novel therapies hasten wound healing, but steady (even if slow) is still the overall goal when it comes to keeping wounds free from infection
Despite PPE, healthcare workers face greater risk of positive COVID-19 test
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 04, 2020
Frontline providers with access to “adequate” personal protective equipment are three times more likely to test positive for the coronavirus than the general public. The rate rises to fivefold among...
CDC: Many COVID-19 infections undetected in healthcare workers
By
Alicia Lasek
Sep 02, 2020
A study of more than 3,200 providers has found a high proportion with evidence of a previous infection and no prior diagnosis and/or symptoms.
Feds restart regular survey inspections at nursing homes
By
Danielle Brown
Aug 18, 2020
Regular surveys are resuming for long-term providers after being suspended for nearly five months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Expect false positives: FDA letter to providers explains COVID antigen test results
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 05, 2020
The agency clarifies that rapid antigen tests, “like all diagnostic tests,” are subject to false positive results, especially in low prevalence settings. It offers recommendations for administering...
More states order tests for nursing homes, but availability doubts remain
By
Alicia Lasek
May 18, 2020
Doubts remain about COVID-19 test availability, cost and protocol. And some providers say they’ll need support to meet new testing expectations.
Nursing home COVID cases rise four-fold in surge states, resident deaths double, data shows
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 10, 2020
The rising weekly case count includes residents and staff in 20 states. Meanwhile, about one in six nursing homes did not report testing staff members in the prior week.