Prevention of nosocomial infections is an important task for any medical institution. Although it is important to administer antibiotics prophylactically during the perioperative period, the proper use of antiseptics should have top priority. We carried out a survey to show the actual status of antiseptic use in our hospital in order to determine their proper use. The survey was carried out considering two aspects: the expense situation on the basis of the order slips and the status of use in each department and ward. It was conducted by questionnaire, and the pharmacist of each department asked questions to the nursing staff there. It was found that disinfectants and antiseptics are used almost correctly in our hospital. However, some improper uses were also found. In the future, on the basis of the findings of this study by questionnaire, we would like to give instructions from the standpoint of the pharmacist in the proper use of disinfectants and antiseptics and in the control of nosocomial infections.

For rapid and accurate diagnosis of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections, we applied HCMV-DNA amplification by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and compared the sensitivity of this method with those of conventional serological and histological examinations in 20ICU patients. We used blood, urine, and other infected tissues as specimens. Using tissue culture and tissue biopsy as gold standard tests, a nensitivity of 100% , a specificity of 82.4%, a positive predictive value of 50%, and a negative predictive value of 100% were observed with the PCR method. In contrast to the PCR method, conventional serological tests revealed low sensitivity and specificity. An average of more than 18 days was required for conventional serological tests to be reported, but PCR method results were available within 8 days. In conclusion, the PCR method is a useful and rapid method for the detection of HCMV in ICU patients.