Trinity Regional Health System is implementing a plan to test more patients for a drug-resistant staph bacteria with hopes of eradicating it from its hospitals.

The germ is called MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. A new Illinois law requires hospitals to test intensive-care unit patients for the bacteria.

Carol Dwyer, who has a master's degree in nursing and is Trinity's vice president of hospital operations and chief nurse executive, said the health system this week expanded its testing to include the Terrace Park campus in Bettendorf, although Iowa does not have a law requiring it.

"Trinity came forward as a health care organization informing and educating the community about what MRSA is, how you get it, how to prevent it, how it's treated and where it really originates," Ms. Dwyer said.

Public concern about MRSA was heightened this fall when cases were reported among students at schools in Illinois and around the country. Most cases are mild skin infections, but it can become life-threatening if it invades the body and infects vital organs.

Many people carry the germ on their skin or in their nose with no symptoms, but they can infect others if the bacteria makes contact with open wounds.

Trinity also is testing patients in the neonatal special care unit at its 7th Street Campus in Moline, Ms. Dwyer said.

"All three campuses have different populations that are being tested that includes the most critically ill patients," she said.

Next month, the health system will take another step by testing all vulnerable populations for the bug.

"These are patients who will be admitted to our hospital who come from nursing homes, who are on dialysis or the critically ill who are at risk for picking up this super bug," Ms. Dwyer said. "That subset of the population, which is considerable, will be tested beginning Feb. 1."

In the future federal law may require hospitals to test all patients coming into the hospital. By adding this subset, Ms. Dwyer said that will mean Trinity is testing about 40 percent of its population.

Trinity is working with hospitals in the Chicago area that have eradicated MRSA. Loyola University Medical Center began testing all incoming patients this fall. Carriers are then isolated and treated to keep the germ from spreading to other patients or staff.

"They've been at this for a couple of years," Ms. Dwyer said. "This is not something that happens overnight by any means."

Trinity also is working with Metrolab, which is purchasing testing equipment that gives results within two hours. What they are currently using takes 48 hours to give results. During that time, the patient has to be in isolation in case the test is positive.

"That's not good for anybody," Ms. Dwyer said. "It socially isolates them. It's difficult for staff to get into the rooms as regularly because they have to put on prevention attire."

Trinity also is taking steps to increase awareness about the importance of hand washing, which continues to be the best defense against MRSA and other illnesses.

"If we don't take any action, (MRSA) will continue to increase and jeopardize healthy people as well as sick people in the hospitals," Ms. Dwyer said.

Staff writer Amy Rausch can be reached at (309) 786-6441, ext. 208.