TABLE 10.

Factors to consider when implementing a screening program

Factor
Epidemiology of CPO in the community
Prevalence of each carbapenemase
Ability to identify high-risk groups
Availability and cost of isolation beds
Existing logistics for collecting specimens (e.g., an existing screening program for carriers of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp.)
Current clinical microbiology laboratory capabilities
Availability of molecular diagnostic tools
Available technologists and ability to accommodate testing
Experience developing and validating in-house assays
Experience/availability of other technologies to detect carbapenemases
Carba NP or Blue-Carba
Inhibition disk assays (double-disk synergy test)
UV spectrometry or MALDI-TOF MS
Modified Hodge test