Figure 1.

A proposed algorithm of VAP antibiotic prescription based on ETA surveillance cultures. (A) In this example, ETAs are routinely performed on Monday and Thursday after the 48^th hour of MV. In cases of VAP suspicion, a confirmation sample is performed to confirm or not confirm the VAP-onset. Antibiotics are prescribed according to the results of the most recent ETA available. Immunocompromised patients should not be affected by this algorithm; (B) propositional strategy after VAP confirmation or non-confirmation. Mo, Monday; Th, Thursday; ETA, endotracheal aspirate; PDS, protected distal sample; BAL, broncho-alveolar lavage; VAP, ventilator-associated pneumonia; ARDS, acute respiratory distress syndrome.