New software tracks germs in surgery to stop infections

NCT ID NCT04657185

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Georgetown University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This completed study tested a software platform called OR PathTrac that monitors bacteria in operating rooms. The goal was to see if giving hospitals feedback on where germs spread could help reduce surgical site infections. Over 800 adults having surgery took part. The study focused on tracking Staphylococcus aureus and other harmful bacteria to improve cleaning and safety steps.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: OR PathTrac software platform and bacterial collection system
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could help hospitals reduce surgical site infections by improving infection control practices during surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a completed study, but results are not yet widely available. The intervention is a monitoring system, not a direct treatment, so its impact on infection rates may be limited.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for S. AUREUS TRANSMISSION are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

staphylococcal infection Surgical Wound Infection

As listed by the trial registrant

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

S. AUREUS TRANSMISSION SURGICAL SITE INFECTION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Georgetown University

Georgetown, District of Columbia, 20057, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.