Name of the Procedure:

Infectious Agent Detection by Nucleic Acid (DNA or RNA); Vancomycin Resistance (e.g., Enterococcus Species Van A, Van B), Amplified Probe Technique

Summary

This procedure involves detecting the presence of vancomycin-resistant genes in enterococcus bacteria. It uses advanced technology to amplify and identify specific DNA or RNA sequences that indicate resistance to the antibiotic vancomycin.

Purpose

• Medical Condition: Identification of vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) infections.
• Goals/Outcomes: Confirm the presence of resistance genes, allowing for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Indications

• Persistent or severe infections suspected to be caused by enterococcus.
• Previous antibiotic treatments have failed.
• Patients with compromised immune systems or in healthcare settings where VRE is prevalent.

Preparation

• No special preparation or fasting required.
• Collect patient samples such as blood, tissue, or stool.
• Inform the medical team of any current medications or health conditions.

Procedure Description

• A sample is collected from the patient and prepared for analysis.
• The sample undergoes nucleic acid extraction to isolate DNA or RNA.
• Amplification techniques (e.g., PCR) are used to increase the quantity of the target genetic material.
• Specific probes bind to resistance genes (Van A, Van B) during the amplification.
• Detection systems identify the presence of these bound probes, confirming resistance to vancomycin.

Duration

Typically takes a few hours from sample preparation to results.

Setting

Performed in a specialized laboratory setting.

Personnel

• Medical laboratory technologists.
• Microbiologists or pathologists for result interpretation.

Risks and Complications

• Minimal risks associated with sample collection (e.g., minor bleeding or discomfort).
• Rare risk of sample contamination leading to inaccurate results.

Benefits

• Rapid and accurate detection of vancomycin resistance.
• Enables targeted antibiotic therapy.
• Reduces the spread of VRE within healthcare settings.

Recovery

• No recovery necessary as the procedure is non-invasive.
• Follow physician's instructions based on test results.

Alternatives

• Culture-based methods: Longer turnaround time, less sensitive.
• Empirical antibiotic treatment: Less targeted, may lead to resistance.

Patient Experience

• Mild discomfort during sample collection (e.g., blood draw).
• No pain during the procedure itself.
• Immediate results lead to prompt treatment adjustments, improving patient outcomes.