The Pediatric Endotracheal Aspirate Culture Survey (PETACS): Examining Practice Variation across Pediatric Microbiology Laboratories in the United States.

ABSTRACT: In the absence of evidence-based laboratory guidelines, the workup and interpretation of tracheal aspirate (TA) cultures remains controversial and confusing within the fields of clinical microbiology, infectious diseases, and critical care. Between 22 January and 24 February 2020, we conducted a national, web-based survey of microbiology laboratory personnel in free-standing pediatric hospitals and adult hospitals containing pediatric facilities regarding the laboratory practices used for TA specimens. We hypothesized there would be substantial center-level variability in laboratory processing of TA cultures. The response rate for the survey was 48% (73/153). There was a high level of variability in the criteria used for all processes, including specimen receipt, Gram staining, and culture

SUBMITTER: Prinzi AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8106719 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature