Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens: Implementing Contact Isolation in the Operating Room

Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are microorganisms that are resistant to commonly used antimicrobial agents. Caring for patients who harbor MDROs while maintaining a safe environment for other patients and staff presents a challenge for the health care worker in the operating room. Patients infected or colonized with MDROs require special preparations and precautions when scheduled for surgical procedures. Infection control measures must be tailored to the physical environment and to the characteristics of the patients served by the facility. Appropriate strategies must be fully implemented to reduce the risk of environmental contamination and subsequent transmission of MDROs to other patients.