Which designation represents an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital?

Which designation represents an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital?

• A. Primary Stroke Center (PSC)
• B. Acute Stroke Ready Hospital (ASRH)
• C. Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC)
• D. Thrombectomy-capable stroke center (TSC)

Answer: (B)

Designations reflect how ready a hospital is to recognize and rapidly respond to an acute stroke and to coordinate transfer when higher-level care is needed. An Acute Stroke Ready Hospital is the entry point in this system: it has processes to quickly identify a stroke, obtain emergency imaging, and stabilize the patient, with established protocols to involve stroke specialists and transfer the patient promptly if advanced therapies or tertiary care are required. This contrasts with a Primary Stroke Center, which has a formal, on-site stroke program with 24/7 staffing and the ability to administer acute treatments and maintain ongoing stroke care locally. A Comprehensive Stroke Center offers the most extensive resources, including advanced imaging, specialized ICUs, and on-site neurosurgery and endovascular capabilities. A thrombectomy-capable stroke center can perform mechanical thrombectomy but may not provide the full spectrum of services found at a PSC or CSC.

Designations reflect how ready a hospital is to recognize and rapidly respond to an acute stroke and to coordinate transfer when higher-level care is needed. An Acute Stroke Ready Hospital is the entry point in this system: it has processes to quickly identify a stroke, obtain emergency imaging, and stabilize the patient, with established protocols to involve stroke specialists and transfer the patient promptly if advanced therapies or tertiary care are required. This contrasts with a Primary Stroke Center, which has a formal, on-site stroke program with 24/7 staffing and the ability to administer acute treatments and maintain ongoing stroke care locally. A Comprehensive Stroke Center offers the most extensive resources, including advanced imaging, specialized ICUs, and on-site neurosurgery and endovascular capabilities. A thrombectomy-capable stroke center can perform mechanical thrombectomy but may not provide the full spectrum of services found at a PSC or CSC.