M154-3

Wound: Normal Skin Flora – Shipped 15 February 2016 

HISTORY

A simulated leg wound swab collected from a 19 year old female cyclist with road rash was sent to category A and B laboratories.

Participants were expected to report normal skin flora.

MAIN EDUCATIONAL POINTS from M154-3

1. Identifying and reporting a single bacterial name may imply to the clinician that the laboratory interprets this result as clinically relevant. This is increased by adding in more information, in particular antibiotic susceptibilities.
2. Close and nuanced communication between the clinicians and laboratory particularly surrounding specimen collection and reports is essential for patient care and safety.

Full critique (PDF)