Broadening Coverage

Should be considered in patients with life-threatening infections (ventilator-associated pneumonia, sepsis).

Second agent should offer additional coverage and be from a different antimicrobial class. Options could include quinolone or aminoglycoside (depending on anticipated pathogen and patient allergy/renal function etc.)

Coverage MUST be narrowed based on culture results; negative cultures can be used to rule out infections with most organisms . Contact Microbiologist on call via switchboard (777-6300) if suspect organism that may require unique testing or specialized culture for identification.