MRSA Surveillance Culture

Screening Culture for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) for Infection Control Purposes

Specimen Type: Swab
Source: Anterior nares, throat
Collection Container: E-Swab
Specimen Volume: Swab

Nares

1. Swab each nare 2-5 times by rotating swab firmly clockwise and counterclockwise against lining of the nasal mucosa.
2. Aseptically unscrew and remove the cap from the ESwab with Liquid Amies Medium tube.
3. 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.
4. Replace cap on the tube and secure tightly.
5. Label specimen as Nares

Throat

1. Swab throat.
2. Aseptically unscrew and remove the cap from the ESwab with Liquid Amies Medium tube.
3. 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.
4. Replace cap on the tube and secure tightly.
5. Label specimen as throat.

1-2 Days. Rarely, samples may require additional confirmatory testing which will increase time to result

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.