SCREEN FOR STAPH AUREUS

Test Code

8801X

CPT Codes
87081

Includes

If culture is positive, identification will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 87077 or 87140 or 87143 or 87147 or 87149).
Antibiotic susceptibilities are only performed when appropriate (CPT code(s): 87181 or 87184 or 87185 or 87186).

Preferred Specimen

Swab from any skin source. Submit in Amies transport
medium or equivalent. Indicate the source.

Nasal swabs for non-MRSA Staphylococci

NOTE: Order code 90417X is suggested for screens for
nasal colonization for MRSA

Specimen Stability

Transport swab:
Room temperature: 48 hours

Methodology
Conventional Isolation and Identification Techniques

Setup Schedule

Set up: Mon-Sun; Report available: 3 days

Reference Range

Reports with patient results

Clinical Significance

Primarily used to detect carriage of Staphylococcus aureus. Recovery of S. aureus from a site does not necessarily indicate infection. Screening allows identification of potential sources from which this organism can be transmitted to other individuals. Results will also indicate if the isolate is a methicillin resistant strain (MRSA).

Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics HORSHAM

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.