1. The antibiotic is a first-generation parenteral cephalosporin.
OR
2. The antibiotic is approved for prophylaxis in specific "Guidelines for Use" as adopted by the medical staff.
OR
3. The antibiotic agrees with a protocol for drug research.
4. The dose meets criteria as set in specific "Guidelines for Use" for that antibiotic.
5. The antibiotic is administered no more than four hours before surgery.
6. The antibiotic is continued for no more than 24 hours after surgery (unless need for further therapy is documented).
a. Orthopaedic exceptions include 48 hours when drainage tubes are in place; 48 hours or longer in higher risk patients with rheumatoid arthritis and nutritional depletion
b. Cardiothoracic exceptions include 48 hours or longer when specific drainage tubes (chest tubes, mediastinal and pleural tubes) are in place. Also of consideration in these patients is numbers of indwelling lines. (Direct right atrial lines, left atrial lines, arterial line, Swan-Ganz, ventilator, IJ, and direct atrial ventricular and ground wires-pacemaker).
Particular high risk patients may require prolonged therapy, i.e. heart valve replacements with or without A.B.E.; indwelling post-operative intra-aortic balloon pump; left ventricular assist device.
