Healthcare Problem Research Articles

Вакцинопрофилактика пневмококковой инфекции в особых группах риска: современные клинические рекомендации

Pneumococcal infection is a serious problem for practical healthcare. After the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant increase in bacterial infections incidence, with pneumococcus remaining the main causative agent in all age groups. Among military personnel, pneumococcal pneumonia is the most common severe pathology requiring significant efforts in patient treatment. Vaccination remains an important factor in reducing the incidence of disease, and most importantly, in significant reduction of cases of invasive pneumococcal infection, which is characterized by high mortality. Currently, modern approaches to vaccination regimens in adults have been developed, which are reflected in this publication.

Medical and social aspects of preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is a relevant healthcare problem and represents a high risk for the development of various diseases in both the mother and fetus. In domestic and foreign literature, the number of works on the influence of PE on the cardiovascular and nervous systems of the fetus is constantly increasing. Thus, PE is associated with an increased risk of congenital heart defects, high blood pressure (BP), increased body mass index (BMI), and systemic vascular dysfunction in off spring. In addition, PE leads to disorders of the development of the nervous system, such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). PE is one of the main causes of adverse perinatal outcomes and neonatal mortality. This review also presents the correlation between PE and the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), stroke, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). In recent decades, there has been increasing evidence that manifestations of PE are not limited to pregnancy but also increase the risk of long-term complications. Thus, PE is a common disease that can lead to severe consequences for the mother and fetus in later life.

Carbohydrate Antigen 125 (CA 125): A Novel Biomarker in Acute Heart Failure.

Heart failure is a global major healthcare problem with millions of hospitalizations annually and with a very high mortality. There is an increased interest in finding new and reliable biomarkers for the diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic guidance of patients hospitalized for acute heart failure; Our review aims to summarize in an easy-to-follow flow recent relevant research evaluating the possible use and the clinical value of measuring CA 125 serum levels in acute HF. A thorough search in the main international databases identified a relevant pool of 170 articles, providing recently published data for this narrative review that used PRISMA guidelines. There are data to sustain the role of carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA 125), a worldwide used marker of ovarian cancer, in patients with heart failure. Several studies have shown links between CA 125 levels and congestion seen in acute heart failure, high mortality and readmission rates at 6 months follow-up after discharge from acute heart failure and also a role of CA 125 in the guidance of heart failure therapy. There are also clinical trials that showed that several particularities of CA 125 make it even better than N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP)-a classical and more utilized marker of heart failure) in several scenarios of acute heart failure. Although the mechanism behind the upregulation of serum CA 125 in patients with congestive HF has not been confirmed nor fully understood.

Analysis of Oklahoma amputation trends and identification of risk factors to target areas for limb preservation interventions

ObjectiveAnnual trends of lower extremity amputation due to end-stage chronic disease are on the rise in the United States. These amputations are leading to massive expenses for patients and the medical system. In Oklahoma, we have a high-risk population because access to care is low, the number of uninsured is high, cardiovascular health is poor, and our overall health care performance is ranked 50th in the country. But we know little about Oklahomans and their risk of limb loss. It is, therefore, imperative to look closely at this population to discover contemporary rates, trends, and state-specific risk factors for amputation due to diabetes and/or peripheral arterial disease (PAD). We hypothesize that state-specific groups will be identified as having the highest risk for limb loss and that contemporary trends in amputations are rising. To create implementable solutions to limb preservation, a baseline must be set. MethodsWe conducted a 12-consecutive-year observational study using Oklahoma’s hospital discharge data. Discharges among patients 20 years or older with a primary or secondary diagnosis of diabetes and/or PAD were included. Diagnoses and amputation procedures were identified using International Classification of Disease-9 and -10 codes. Amputation rates were calculated per 1000 discharges. Trends in amputation rates were measured by annual percentage changes (APC). Prevalence ratios evaluated the differences in amputation rates across demographic groups. ResultsOver 5,000,000 discharges were identified from 2008 to 2019. Twenty-four percent had a diagnosis of diabetes and/or PAD. The overall amputation rate was 12 per 1000 discharges for those with diabetes and/or PAD. Diabetes and/or PAD-related amputation rates increased from 8.1 to 16.2 (APC, 6.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.7-7.3). Most amputations were minor (59.5%), and although minor, increased at a faster rate compared with major amputations (minor amputation APC, 8.1; 95% CI, 6.7-9.6 vs major amputation APC, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.5-4.7); major amputations were notable in that they were significantly increasing. Amputation rates were the highest among males (16.7), American Indians (19.2), uninsured (21.2), non-married patients (12.7), and patients between 45 and 49 years of age (18.8), and calculated prevalence ratios for each were significant (P = .001) when compared within their respective category. ConclusionsAmputation rates in Oklahoma have nearly doubled in 12 years, with both major and minor amputations significantly increasing. This study describes a worsening trend, underscoring that amputations due to chronic disease is an urgent statewide health care problem. We also present imperative examples of amputation health care disparities. By defining these state-specific areas and populations at risk, we have identified areas to pursue and improve care. These distinctive risk factors will help to frame a statewide limb preservation intervention.

Ageism and Lack of Shared Decision-Making is a Problem in Healthcare and Geriatrics

Ageism and Lack of Shared Decision-Making is a Problem in Healthcare and Geriatrics

Apigenin and Rutaecarpine reduce the burden of cellular senescence in bone marrow stromal stem cells.

Osteoporosis is a systemic age-related disease characterized by reduced bone mass and microstructure deterioration, leading to increased risk of bone fragility fractures. Osteoporosis is a worldwide major health care problem and there is a need for preventive approaches. Apigenin and Rutaecarpine are plant-derived antioxidants identified through functional screen of a natural product library (143 compounds) as enhancers of osteoblastic differentiation of human bone marrow stromal stem cells (hBMSCs). Global gene expression profiling and Western blot analysis revealed activation of several intra-cellular signaling pathways including focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and TGFβ. Pharmacological inhibition of FAK using PF-573228 (5 μM) and TGFβ using SB505124 (1μM), diminished Apigenin- and Rutaecarpine-induced osteoblast differentiation. In vitro treatment with Apigenin and Rutaecarpine, of primary hBMSCs obtained from elderly female patients enhanced osteoblast differentiation compared with primary hBMSCs obtained from young female donors. Ex-vivo treatment with Apigenin and Rutaecarpine of organotypic embryonic chick-femur culture significantly increased bone volume and cortical thickness compared to control as estimated by μCT-scanning. Our data revealed that Apigenin and Rutaecarpine enhance osteoblastic differentiation, bone formation, and reduce the age-related effects of hBMSCs. Therefore, Apigenin and Rutaecarpine cellular treatment represent a potential strategy for maintaining hBMSCs health during aging and osteoporosis.

The role of advanced practice nurses in improving healthcare outcomes for patients with chronic kidney disease: A scoping review protocol.

The number of patients with chronic kidney disease is increasing worldwide; previous studies have suggested that advanced practice nurses, including nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists, with expert practice skills can provide high-quality care and solve complex healthcare problems. In general, nurse practitioners are generalist nurses who work as autonomous clinicians with whole personal care. Clinical nurse specialists, in contrast, are nurses with advanced nursing knowledge and skills for individuals or specific populations. Their roles are independent and different; however, similarities exist in their role in potentially improving healthcare outcomes. Although two previous studies described the role of nephrology nurse practitioners, they were systematic reviews, and their outcomes were limited. To clarify the overall aspect of advanced practice nurses' role, it is necessary to extract the studies illustrating advanced practice nurses' practices for patients with chronic kidney disease. This study aims to map the literature describing the role of advanced practice nurses in improving healthcare outcomes for patients with chronic kidney disease. This scoping review will be conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping review. Online databases will be searched across MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science. Only studies published in English will be included, and no date limit will be set. Chronic kidney disease, renal replacement therapy, and advanced practice nurses as keywords and related search terms will be used. Two independent reviewers will screen the title and abstract/full-text; in case of discrepancy, a third reviewer will make the final decision. The results will be extracted and presented following the review question concerning the study characteristics, patients' characteristics, condition of chronic kidney disease, and role of advanced practice nurses.

Using quality improvement to pursue equity: lessons from healthcare

Against a backdrop of stalling life expectancy, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need to tackle inequities in healthcare. Quality improvement has become an increasingly recognised way of tackling complex problems in healthcare. This article presents a step-by-step approach for the use of quality improvement to pursue equity at an NHS provider in England. The Model for Improvement was used to set an aim, develop a theory of change and measures, and test change ideas through plan-do-study-act cycles. A five-step sequence of improvement was used to provide a structured approach to identifying and tackling problems. Projects were designed to use a time series testing strategy in which baseline data were collected, a change was introduced and data continued to be collected over time to assess improvement. The results of three teams that have demonstrated sustained improvements were analysed using statistical process control charts. The teams' achievements included a 27% increase in access to early intervention mental health services for ethnic minority groups; a 92% reduction in racist incidents on inpatient wards; and a reduction in the gap between cervical screening rates for different age groups from 8% to 3%. Quality improvement offers those closest to the delivery of care a way of systematically making improvements in equity. Further opportunities for the field include the use of experimental designs to test combinations of interventions and potential scalability of quality improvement methods across systems with multiple partners.

Reducing Discharge Medication Reconciliation Errors at a Pediatric Neurology Inpatient Unit.

Medication reconciliation errors are a common problem in health care, particularly during transitions of care. Discharge medication reconciliation (DMR) errors in a pediatric setting can range from 26% to 42.2%. We conducted a quality improvement project to decrease DMR error rate at Dayton Children's Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. We conducted 2 interventions, each with 3 Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles from September 2021 through February 2023. The first intervention focused on using current specialty neurology nurses as scribes and creating a template note to include the plan of care and review of DMR before discharge. Our second intervention consisted of standardizing the seizure rescue medication order by creating an order panel within our electronic medical record system for all the rescue medications presently available. Medication errors were documented by the specialty neurology nurse during a phone conversation on the next business day post discharge. DMR error rates were calculated for each week using a control chart. Medication errors and patient harm were classified according to the National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention Index. One hundred six errors were noted. Of these, 98 (92%) occurred in patients with seizure and 64 (60%) were related to prescription of seizure rescue medication specifically. The baseline error rate was calculated at 15.7% or 7 errors per month (January 2021 through June 2021). The average error rate dropped from 15.7% to 5.3% (2 errors per month) after initiation of our first intervention (September 2021). Twelve weeks after initiation of the second intervention, a 2.9% (1 error per month) was noted. Afterward, there was a ten-week period of 0% errors. Sustainable reduction of DMR errors in pediatric patients with epilepsy was achieved by using specialty neurology nurses to scribe the care plan and creating order panels to facilitate accuracy of discharge medication orders without additional cost to the hospital.

Мнение руководителей медицинских организаций о внутренних проблемах здравоохранения.

There are many problems in modern healthcare. In practice, these tasks will have to be solved at the level of specific medical organizations. In this regard, it is important to understand the structure of the problems that concern the heads of medical organizations. Objective: to study the opinion of the heads of medical organizations on internal health care problems. Materials and methods. The study was conducted on the basis of health care in the Ivanovo region. The collection of information included a survey of 250 heads of public and private medical organizations in the period 2023. Results and conclusions. The survey showed that at present, the «universal» problem of management in medical organizations of state and private ownership is the «personnel issue» associated with the lack of personnel with the appropriate level of competence. The established differences in the priority of management problems by levels and functional orientation of the activities of the heads of medical organizations should be taken into account in the formation of programs for advanced training and retraining of health care organizers.

Acute kidney injury in hospitalized patients with nonmalignant pleural effusions: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundNonmalignant pleural effusion (NMPE) is common and remains a definite health care problem. Pleural effusion was supposed to be a risk factor for acute kidney injury (AKI). Incidence of AKI in NMPE patients and whether there is correlation between the size of effusions and AKI is unknown.ObjectiveTo assess the incidence of AKI in NMPE inpatients and its association with effusion size. Study design and methodWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of inpatients admitted to the Chinese PLA General Hospital with pleural effusion from 2018-2021. All patients with pleural effusions confirmed by chest radiography (CT or X-ray) were included, excluding patients with diagnosis of malignancy, chronic dialysis, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), community-acquired AKI, hospital-acquired AKI before chest radiography, and fewer than two serum creatinine tests during hospitalization. Multivariate logistic regression and LASSO logistic regression models were used to identify risk factors associated with AKI. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests for effusion volume were performed adjusted for the variables selected by LASSO. Causal mediation analysis was used to estimate the mediating effect of heart failure, pneumonia, and eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m2 on AKI through effusion volume. ResultsNMPE was present in 7.8% of internal medicine inpatients. Of the 3047 patients included, 360 (11.8%) developed AKI during hospitalization. After adjustment by covariates selected by LASSO, moderate and large effusions increased the risk of AKI compared with small effusions (moderate: OR 1.47, 95%CI 1.11-1.94 p = 0.006; large: OR 1.86, 95%CI 1.05-3.20 p = 0.028). No significant modification effect was observed among age, gender, diabetes, bilateral effusions, and eGFR. Volume of effusions mediated 6.8% (p = 0.005), 4.0% (p = 0.046) and 4.6% (p < 0.001) of the effect of heart failure, pneumonia and low eGFR on the development of AKI respectively. ConclusionThe incidence of AKI is high among NMPE patients. Moderate and large effusion volume is independently associated with AKI compared to small size. The effusion size acts as a mediator in heart failure, pneumonia, and eGFR.

Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in the Eye of the Beholder and Emergency Medical Service.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains a global healthcare problem, with low survival and bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) rates. This study aimed to identify event-related factors in OHCA and their impact on return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) achievement and maintenance until hospital admission. All data were collected from Utstein Resuscitation Registry Template for OHCA from The Institute of Emergency Medicine of Zagreb from January 2012 to August 2022. This cross-sectional research analyzed 2839 Utstein reports, including 2001 male, 836 female, and 8 subjects of unknown gender. The average age was 65.4 ± 16.2 years. The most frequent place of collapse was private residence, and 27% of collapses were unwitnessed. Dispatcher-provided CPR instructions were provided in 39.7% of cases until the arrival of the emergency service team, which showed a very strong effect on bystander-provided CPR, and were followed in 68.4% of cases, while non-instructed bystander CPR was provided in only 7.9% of cases. Bystander CPR is more likely to be provided in public places than in private residences, often with both compression and ventilation. Bystander CPR was also more likely to be provided to men. Cases with bystander CPR, and compressions with ventilation compared to compression only CPR, showed a significantly greater success in maintaining ROSC later in CPR, both with moderate effects. Bystander CPR has been shown to have a significant role in achieving and maintaining ROSC until hospital admission. However, our results showed a location-dependent nature of bystanders' willingness to perform CPR as well as sex disparities in patients receiving CPR. With deficient education in basic life support in Croatia, dispatchers need to insist on and instruct bystander CPR performance.

Perceived stress and its influencing factors among persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) in Kannur district, Kerala, India.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic remains a major healthcare problem for the humanity. It is important to understand the level of stress among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA), which may have an influence on their living. The main aim of the study is to assess the perceived stress and the factors influencing. Descriptive study. The details of a total of 750 PLHAs registered in the district were collected, and the researcher selected 210 samples using the simple random sampling method. The researcher used the standardised Perceived Stress Scale developed by Sheldon Cohen in 1983. The data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and tests. While analysing the perceived stress of the respondents, more than half 61% of the respondents have reported a moderate level of perceived stress. The study also depicts that perceived stress is being influenced by gender, marital status, occupation, number of dependents, and monthly income of PLHA. PLHAs in the selected geographic area experience a significant level of perceived stress, which indicates the need for programmes to address it.

Опыт реализации нормативно-правовых актов в сфере социального обеспечения населения Кабардино-Балкарии (2005–2021 гг.)

The article provides an analysis of the development of the regulatory framework for social protec-tion of the population of the Russian Federation and the Kabardino-Balkaria in 2005–2021, shows the influence of the territorial features of the region’s economic development on the social securi-ty of the republic, and identifies the level of increase in the GRP produced in the Kabardino-Balkaria per capita. A comparative analysis was carried out in the field of social security of the population of the republic with the indicators of the Russian Federation and the North Caucasus Federal District. It has been established that the average per capita income of the population per month in the North Caucasian Federal District and Kabardino-Balkaria is lower than in Russia; the share of the population with cash incomes below the subsistence level in the total population of the Kabardino-Balkaria in 2021 was higher than the Russian average by 7.1%. The state and prob-lems in the development of education and healthcare are considered. In addition, the state of the education and healthcare sectors and problems in their development are considered

Thermal energy enhancement in blood conveying gold nanoparticles with temperature-dependent viscosity

Cancer is one of the universal popular healthcare problems, and there is a struggle to find advanced fresh medicines andidentify superior ways of distributing medications. Cancer is harmful and deadly to maximum of its patients. Cytotoxic agents are carried by cancer cells, to increase efficacy and protection. This reminds us that nanotechnology can be utilized for medicine. This current allegation has built into gold nanomaterials which could conquer and heal — it being the material considered like gold (atomic number 79). It gives a large amount of heat and contributes to the therapy of malignant tumors. Therefore, it is urgent to investigate the flow of blood-based gold nanoparticles over the porous medium for injection/suction effects. Time-dependent viscosity was used in Reynolds exponential model. The existence of magnetic field and nonlinear thermal radiation was integrated into the system. Ensuing equations were interpreted by its nondimensional model by applying comparison renovation. This Lobatto IIIA formula (known as bvp4c) was working to acquire multiple solutions. This findings indicate that temperature increases due to magnetic and radiation effects. Temperature and velocity profiles by injection are greater although related to the suction phenomenon. Further, the temperature and velocity augment by the inclusion of gold nanoparticles into blood flow.

5 P consortium “Children’s Medicine”

Medical consortia help solve current healthcare problems. Four scientific medical institutions (GBUZ of the Moscow region “Research Institute of Childhood of the Ministry of Health of the Moscow Region”, Scientific Research Clinical Institute of Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery named after Academician Yu. E. Veltishchev Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “Russian National Research Medical University named after N. I. Pirogov” of the Ministry of Health Russia, the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Medical Genetic Research Center named after Academician N. P. Bochkov”, the Federal Budgetary Institution “Moscow Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology named after G. N. Gabrichevsky” of Rospotrebnadzor) and one higher educational institution (the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Ural State Medical University” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation) united into the 5P “Children’s Medicine” consortium to solve pressing problems of children’s healthcare in accordance with the basic principles of personalized medicine. Organizing large congresses with international participation dedicated to the problems of children’s healthcare is an opportunity for doctors in the Russian Federation and other countries to share knowledge and best practices on saving a child’s life and treating diseases from an early age of the patient through direct communication. A systematic approach can be considered the most effective for solving problems in all areas, including children’s healthcare, and the 5 P “Children’s Medicine” congress helps doctors go beyond the boundaries of the familiar and familiar, learn new things, and get ideas for further professional growth.

A non-invasive smart healthcare monitoring system based on the Internet of things

&lt;p&gt;A worldwide increase in healthcare problems and disorders underscored the significance of across the globe healthcare monitoring (HCM). Several countries have increased lifespans due to technological medical developments, government health initiatives, and personal cleanliness. Globalization has led to a gradually rising elderly population and a decrease in fertility, which might result in problems with socioeconomic status. In order to assist older adults, HCM technologies must be cost-effective and simple to implement. Autonomous HCM could be feasible, incorporating wearable devices with sensors, actuators, and communication. The above approach enables practical and efficient personal medical care for older people, minimizing their requirement for costly hospital treatment. The entire study emphasizes the non-invasive blood glucose monitoring (NIBGM). The idea for the project includes developing a non-invasive medical device with RFID tags login, data storage, and smart sensors that allow the monitoring of several organs. The small in size, interconnected sensor monitors body temperature (BT), blood glucose level (BGL), blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and oxygen saturation (OS). The internet-based monitoring device permits healthcare providers to keep track of patient’s health metrics in real-time and send data to remote places. The new method allows healthcare professionals to present rapid assistance and reinforcement, enhancing the results for patients.&lt;/p&gt;

An Improved Strategy to Effectively Manage Healthcare Waste after COVID-19 in Republic of Korea

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, 24,289 tons of infectious waste was generated in 2021 in Korea, a 320% increase compared to that generated in 2020 (5788 tons). The disposal of other healthcare waste has been delayed because COVID-19 infectious waste must be disposed of first, leading to long-term concerns related to the lack of healthcare waste disposal capacity. To solve this problem, this study investigated healthcare waste classification systems in Korea and overseas. We analyzed the current state of healthcare waste in Korea and compared the treatment methods and healthcare waste treatment systems by country. The results showed that Korea has a strict healthcare waste management system compared to other countries, which relies on dedicated incinerators and transport. It is difficult to expand incinerators exclusively for healthcare waste due to site selection issues because they incinerate infectious waste. Therefore, to solve the healthcare waste disposal problem, Korea should improve its management system to reduce treatment amounts. This study suggests that general healthcare waste that is considered less infectious should be excluded from healthcare waste-exclusive treatment and that sterilization/grinding as an intermediate treatment method should be allowed.

The Importance of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacterales in African Countries: Evolution and Current Burden.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a worldwide healthcare problem. Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) can spread quickly owing to their resistance mechanisms. Although colonized individuals are crucial for MDRO dissemination, colonizing microbes can lead to symptomatic infections in carriers. Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) are among the most important MDROs involved in colonizations and infections with severe outcomes. This review aimed to track down the first reports of CPE in Africa, describe their dissemination throughout African countries and summarize the current status of CRE and CPE data, highlighting current knowledge and limitations of reported data. Two database queries were undertaken using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), employing relevant keywords to identify articles that had as their topics beta-lactamases, carbapenemases and carbapenem resistance pertaining to Africa or African regions and countries. The first information on CPE could be traced back to the mid-2000s, but data for many African countries were established after 2015-2018. Information is presented chronologically for each country. Although no clear conclusions could be drawn for some countries, it was observed that CPE infections and colonizations are present in most African countries and that carbapenem-resistance levels are rising. The most common CPE involved are Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli, and the most prevalent carbapenemases are NDM-type and OXA-48-type enzymes. Prophylactic measures, such as screening, are required to combat this phenomenon.

Modified in-vitro AATCC-100 procedure to measure viable bacteria from wound dressings.

Chronic wounds are reoccurring healthcare problems in the United States and cost up to $50 billion annually. Improper wound care results in complications such as wound debridement, surgical amputation, and increased morbidity/ mortality due to opportunistic infections. To eliminate wound infections, many antimicrobial dressings are developed and submitted to FDA for evaluation. AATCC-100 is a standard method widely used to evaluate cloth wound dressings. This method, requires enrichment, followed by culturing to measure the concentration of culturable organisms; a caveat to this method could result in neglected viable but nonculturable (VBNC) bacteria and overestimate the antimicrobial properties of wound dressings. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to assess this accepted protocol with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), to measure time dependent antimicrobial efficacy of wound dressing, and to examine for potential viable bacteria but non-culturable as compared with traditional plating methods. The test organisms included opportunistic pathogens: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15692) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 43300). To mimic a wound dressing environment, samples of commercially available wound dressings (McKesson Inc.) with silver ion (positive control) and dressings without silver ion (positive control) were assessed under sterile conditions. All samples were examined by the original protocol (the extended AATCC-100 method) and qRT-PCR. The expression of specific housekeeping genes was measured (proC for P. aeruginosa and 16s rRNA for S. aureus). Based on these tests, log reduction of experimental conditions was compared to identify time dependent and precise antimicrobial properties from wound dressing samples. These results showed antimicrobial properties of wound dressings diminished as incubation days are increased for both methods from day 1 PCR result of 4.31 ± 0.54 and day 1 plating result of 6.31 ± 3.04 to day 3 PCR result of 1.22 ± 0.97 and day 3 plating result of 5.89 ± 2.41. These results show that data from qRT-PCR generally produced lower standard deviation than that of culture methods, hence shown to be more precise. Complementary parallel analysis of samples using both methods better characterized antimicrobial properties of the tested samples.