Hygiene Is Shown to Cut Hospital Blood Infections

How often do we have to repeat the message that handwashing is one of the best forms of primary prevention, An article in yesterday's Wall Street Journal. Common-sense safety and hygiene practices, often overlooked by doctors, can almost wipe out a dangerous type of blood infection that kills thousands of patients each year in U.S. hospitals, according to a study. The steps include making sure doctors and nurses wash their hands and wear protective clothing. The study, published in today's New England Journal of Medicine, focused on central-line catheters, which deliver drugs and nutrition to patients through a vein in the neck, chest or groin. The topic is covered well in PBS presentation of October, 2006 "Remaking American Medicine".