In the continuing wake of Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs) proper sample collection techniques become critical for effective screening and surveillance programs to prevent patient colonization and subsequent infection with problematic organisms such as MRSA. Copan Diagnostics has been working with infection control and point-of-care providers to develop specific collection guides and training videos demonstrating proper technique for collection of swab samples from single and multiple sites for MRSA. These guides are a free resource on the Copan website.

Continual training and education of nursing and point-of-care providers is the cornerstone of a successful HAI surveillance and prevention program within any medical facility. The invention of flocked swabs by Copan, in particular, has revolutionized multi-site sample collection for MRSA because now up to three screening samples, from the same patient, can be pooled directly into one test tube making this type of screening inexpensive, more efficient and more sensitive. Whether HAI screening programs mandate single or multi-site sampling, training is an important process that can reduce morbidity, mortality and length of patient stay. It is an ongoing challenge with staff rotations and new hires. Copan now has available numerous artwork, easy pictorial "how-to" guides and training videos that can bolster HAI surveillance programs.

Proper sample collection plays a critical role in obtaining proper test results for patients. "Copan has always been committed to providing educational resources to those at the laboratory and at the point-of-care," said Copan Executive Vice President, Norman Sharples. "We recognize that though our products may be used at the beginning of the process, there is a human being waiting on accurate and timely results at the end. We are proud to play an important role in safeguarding public health and we strive to help improve the specimen collection process through the providing and promotion of these valuable educational resources, which we have always provided free of charge," concluded Sharples.

Copan holds patents for flocked swabs in the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and China.