Preventing Staphylococcus Aureus Infections in Surgical Patients

Effectiveness of Screening and Decolonization of S. Aureus to Prevent S. Aureus Surgical Site Infections in Surgery Outpatients

University of Minnesota · NCT06378359

This study is testing different methods to see if cleaning out Staphylococcus aureus germs before surgery can help prevent infections in patients.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment250 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Minnesota (other)
Locations1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT06378359 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a preoperative screening and decolonization protocol for Staphylococcus aureus (SA) in surgical outpatients. Participants will be assigned to one of four different approaches to decolonization, including a three-drug bundle and various preoperative treatments. The study will assess the eradication of SA carriage and compare healthcare utilization and costs associated with each approach. It is a single-center pilot trial conducted at the University of Minnesota Medical Center.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are outpatients aged 18 and older scheduled for surgery in specific specialties, such as orthopedic or urology, with anticipated surgery at least 10 days after enrollment.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to give informed consent or have surgery scheduled within 10 days of enrollment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce the incidence of Staphylococcus aureus surgical site infections, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using decolonization protocols to prevent surgical site infections, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Eligible participanst are outpatients in orthopedic, urology, neuro, otolaryngology, plastic and general surgery and OB/GYN clinics who are scheduled to undergo surgery at participating trial sites.
* Anticipated surgery ≥ 10 days after the date of enrollment, to allow time for completion of baseline cultures and the decolonization protocol.
* Age ≥ 18 years
* Ability to complete the decolonization protocol pre-operatively as an outpatient.
* No antibiotic therapy at the time of, or seven days prior to, baseline cultures, and no subsequent antibiotic therapy prior to the surgical procedure. Standard pre-op antibiotic prophylaxis given.
* Patients are having skin incisions as part of their scheduled surgical procedure.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to give informed consent
* Surgery anticipated \<10 days after the baseline cultures

Where this trial is running

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Staphylococcus Aureus Colonization, Surgical Site Infections, Healthcare Associated Infections

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.