New checklist aims to slash MRSA infections in veterans after surgery

NCT ID NCT02216227

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tested a checklist to prevent MRSA surgical site infections in over 23,000 veterans undergoing joint replacement or heart surgery. The checklist included using antibiotic ointment and antiseptic baths before surgery, plus antibiotics during surgery. Researchers measured how many patients got MRSA infections within 90 days and within a year after surgery.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Mupirocin, chlorhexidine gluconate, cefazolin, vancomycin

What this could lead to

If successful, this checklist could become a standard way to prevent serious surgical infections in veterans and other patients.

What could go wrong

The study is observational, not a randomized trial, so results may be influenced by other factors. The checklist may not work in all hospitals or for all patients.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Surgical Wound Infection methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus infectious disease prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Baltimore VA Medical Center VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, United States

  • Iowa City VA Health Care System, Iowa City, IA

    Iowa City, Iowa, 52246-2208, United States

  • Miami VA Healthcare System, Miami, FL

    Miami, Florida, 33125, United States

  • Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN

    Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55417, United States

  • Omaha VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE

    Omaha, Nebraska, 68105-1873, United States

  • South Texas Health Care System, San Antonio, TX

    San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States

  • VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48105, United States

  • VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus, Jamaica Plain, MA

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02130, United States

  • VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR

    Portland, Oregon, 97239, United States

  • VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT

    Salt Lake City, Utah, 84148, United States

  • William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI

    Madison, Wisconsin, 53705, United States