New checklist aims to slash MRSA infections in veterans after surgery

NCT ID NCT02216227

Completed Disease control Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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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.

SURGICAL SITE INFECTION

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

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