title: Contaminated collection media as a cause of pseudoinfection.
abstract: Following the appearance of positive Gram's stains from sterile surgical cases, an investigation was begun. Nonviable but stainable bacteria were found in the gel-based transport media. The use of a cause-and-effect diagram helped to show the numerous items that affected the problem.
authors.affiliation: Department of Infection Control, St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital, Clinton Township, MI 48038.
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Schiappacasse
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ritter
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schleis
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Backman
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pierzchala
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000382:microbiology*; D003470:Culture Media; D004340:Drug Contamination; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D013048:Specimen Handling; D013194:Staining and Labeling
chemical_list: D003470:Culture Media