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CDC/NHSN Criteria for Otitis Externa (EAR)

Description

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) have developed surveillance definitions for health care-associated infection (HCAI) and specific types of infections in health care settings. Otitis externa can be diagnosed if certain findings are present.


 

Otitis externa is a subtype of ear and mastoid infections (EAR).

 

Criteria for the diagnosis of otitis externa – one or both of the following:

(1) pathogens culture from purulent drainage from the ear canal

(2) all of the following:

(2a) one or more of the following:

(2a1) fever (temperature > 38°C)

(2a2) ear pain

(2a3) redness of the external ear canal

(2a4) drainage from the ear canal

(2b) microorganisms seen on Gram stain performed on purulent drainage from ear canal

(2c) no other recognized cause

 

where:

• Drainage (2a4) appears required for items (1) and (2b) to be considered.

 


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Specialty

ICD-10