RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Change in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Testing in the Intensive Care Unit as an Antimicrobial Stewardship Initiative JF Ochsner Journal JO Ochsner J FD O. P. Jindal Global University SP 136 OP 146 DO 10.31486/toj.22.0103 VO 23 IS 2 A1 Smith, Hayden L. A1 DuMontier, Samuel P. A1 Bushman, Amanda M. A1 Hurdelbrink, Jonathan R. A1 Yost, William J. A1 Craig, Steven R. YR 2023 UL http://www.ochsnerjournal.org/content/23/2/136.abstract AB Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)–associated infections are a cause of morbidity and mortality in the intensive care unit (ICU). Vancomycin is a treatment option but is not without risks.Methods: A MRSA testing change—the switch from culture to polymerase chain reaction—was implemented at 2 adult (tertiary and community) ICUs located in a Midwestern US health system. Data from 2016 to 2020 were included in the study, and the median change in time to test results was examined.Results: During the study period, 71% of 19,975 patients seen at the 2 ICUs received MRSA testing. In the preintervention period, 91% and 99% of patients at the tertiary and community hospitals received testing via culture, respectively. Culture testing was used 1% and ∼0% of the time at the tertiary and community hospitals, respectively, in the postintervention period. A counterfactual estimate showed 36 (95% credible interval [CrI], 35, 37) and 32 (95% CrI, 31, 33) fewer hours until results were available at the tertiary and community hospitals, respectively.Conclusion: After the testing change, MRSA results were available in less time. Obtaining results sooner can assist with antimicrobial stewardship through the potential delay in initiating therapies such as vancomycin and/or quicker de-escalation of such therapies.