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MRSA Surveillance Culture
Test CodeAlias/See Also
Includes
Screening Culture for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) for Infection Control Purposes
Preferred Specimen
Specimen Type: Swab
Source: Anterior nares, throat
Collection Container: E-Swab
Specimen Volume: Swab
Instructions
Nares
- Swab each nare 2-5 times by rotating swab firmly clockwise and counterclockwise against lining of the nasal mucosa.
- Aseptically unscrew and remove the cap from the ESwab with Liquid Amies Medium tube.
- Insert the swab into the tube and break the swab shaft at the breakpoint indicated by the colored line marked on the swab shaft. Discard the broken portion.
- Replace cap on the tube and secure tightly.
- Label specimen as Nares
Throat
- Swab throat.
- Aseptically unscrew and remove the cap from the ESwab with Liquid Amies Medium tube.
- Insert the swab into the tube and break the swab shaft at the breakpoint indicated by the colored line marked on the swab shaft. Discard the broken portion.
- Replace cap on the tube and secure tightly.
- Label specimen as throat.
Specimen Stability
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Methodology
Chromogenic MRSA Detection Media
Setup Schedule
Report Available
1-2 Days. Rarely, samples may require additional confirmatory testing which will increase time to result
Limitations
Surveillance testing determines the colonization status at the time of collection. Subsequent treatment or exposure to high risk environments (ex. contact with MRSA carrier or prolonged hospitalization) may cause colonization status to change. Use of phenylephrine hydrochloride or oxymetazoline hydrochloride components found in some nasal sprays have an inhibitory effect on organism growth.
Clinical Significance
Performing Laboratory
Inova Laboratories
2832 Juniper Street
Fairfax, VA 22031
Last Updated: May 15, 2023
Last Review: N. Wolford, May 15, 2023