Page updated 30 April 2007
Laboratory-based Ward Liaison Surveillance (Alert Organisms)
Laboratory-based ward liaison surveillance is used in conjunction with Alert Condition surveillance. The system is managed by the Infection Control Team and details are reported back to the Infection Control Committee.
Positive microbiology reports are screened and may result in a case review, a search for other carriers or infected patients and ward visits by the Infection Control Nurses. Approximately 70% of infections and alert organisms are detected in this way. A patient may be placed in source isolation or discharged from hospital if considered to be a risk of infection to others.
Examples of Alert Organisms
| BACTERIA | VIRUSES |
| Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) | Rotavirus |
| Other resistant Staphylococcus aureus | Small round structured virus (Norovirus) |
| Streptococcus pyogenes (Streptococcus Group A) | Respiratory syncytial virus |
| Streptococcus agalactiae (Streptococcus Group B) | Varicella zoster |
| Penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae | Influenzavirus |
| Haemophilus influenzae | Rubella |
| Legionella spp. | Parvovirus |
| Glycopeptide-resistant enterococci | Measles |
| Neisseria spp. | |
| Clostridium spp. | |
| Salmonella or Shigella spp | |
| Escherichia coli O157 | |
| Multi-resistant Gram negative bacilli | |
| Any unusual bacteria | |
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