CDC/NHSN Criteria for Breast Abscess or Mastitis (BRST)

 

Criteria for the diagnosis of breast abscess or mastitis – one or more of the following:

(1) pathogens cultured from affected breast tissue or fluid obtained by needle aspiration or by incision and drainage

(2) breast abscess or other evidence of infection seen at surgery

(3) breast abscess or other evidence of infection seen in a pathology exam of breast tissue or fluid

(4) all of the following:

(4a) fever > 38°C

(4b) signs of local inflammation affecting the breast

(4c) physician diagnosis of breast abscess

 

An abscess that occurs within 7 days after childbirth should be considered to be health care associated.