Surgical Site Infection Risk Factors : Mnemonic

Various types of surgical site infection (SSI) have been defined by CDC.

Surgical Site Infection (SSI) : CDC Definitions Simplified

Patient related factors

Mnemonic: WASHING

1. Weight: Obesity (>20% of ideal body weight)

2. Antibiotic resistant skin flora: MRSA colonization

3. Advancing age

4. Smoking

5. HIV and other immune deficiency conditions

6. Infection coexisting at other sites (UTI, remote site infection)

7. Nutritional status: Malnutrition (<15% BMI, hypoalbuminemia)

8. Glycemic control: Diabetes

Perioperative factors

Mnemonic: OPERATE

1. Operating surgeon

2. Part Preparation

3. Environment

4. Resistant microbials

5. Antibiotic prophylaxis

6. Time of operation & Tissue trauma

7. External items (foreign body in wound like drains)