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TEST ID MRSAPCR METHICILLIN RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS (MRSA), PCR (NASAL SCREEN)

Important Note

Utilized for the detection of Staphyloccocus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from nasal swabs of patients at risk for nasal colonization.

 

This test is not intended to diagnose, guide, or monitor treatments for SA/MRSA infections.

Infectious

Performing Laboratory

NRLS-Microbiology

Specimen Type

Nasal swab collected using only the Copan (red-top) swab or the BD Liquid Stuart (red-top) swab

Specimen Required

Specimen should be collected by trained nursing or laboratory staff.

Nares specimen collected using CopanTM swab or BD Liquid Stuart red-top is the only acceptable source.

1. Remove the swabs from sealed package.

2. Insert dry swabs 1 cm to 2 cm into nostril and gently rotate against inside of nostril for 3 seconds while applying pressure with a finger to outside of nose.

3. Repeat step 2 in second nostril with same swabs.

4. Place swabs into the transport container.  Swabs should go all the way into tube until they rest on top of sponge at bottom of tube.  Do not break the swabs into the transport container.

Note:  Swabs should stay attached to cap at all times.

5. Forward promptly to the laboratory.

Note: It is not necessary to order and collect separate specimens on each nostril.

Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

Specimen Minimum Volume

One Copan (red-top) swab in transport container or One BD Liquid Stuart (red-top) swab in transport container

Stability:  24 hours at room temperature (15-28C)  or 5 days refrigerated (2-8C)

 

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type

Temperature

Time 
Swab Refrigerated(preferred) 5 days
  Ambient 24 hours

Reference Values

An interpretive report will be provided

Methodology

Automated Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)