Mrsa Nasal Screen By Pcr

Message

For previous positive patients with initial test positive less than three weeks from follow-up collection, it is recommended to perform ChromAgar culture method since residual DNA may cause a positive result in the presence of nonviable organism.

Test Code

MRSAPCR

CPT Codes
87641

Preferred Specimen

BD CULTURETTE SWAB

Instructions

INSERT SWAB UP TO 1 INCH IN PATIENTS NOSTRIL. GENTLY PRESS NOSTRIL CLOSED AROUND SWAB AND ROLL 5 TIMES. REPEAT IN OTHER NOSTRIL AND PLACE IN TRANSPORT CONTAINER.

Transport Container

BD CULTURETTE SWAB DEVICE

Transport Temperature

2-30C

Specimen Stability

15-30C: 3 DAYS. 2-8C: 5 DAYS.

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

SOURCE OTHER THAN NARES, INCORRECT COLLECTION DEVICE, DELAY IN TRANSPORT OR STORAGE ISSUES.

Methodology
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)

Setup Schedule

Monday-Friday performed twice daily (morning and evening).

Saturday, Sunday, and holidays performed afternoon.

Report Available

Same day

Limitations

This test is to aid and control MRSA infections in healthcare settings, not to diagnose MRSA infections or monitor treatment.

Reference Range

Negative

Clinical Significance

Methicillin-resistant Staph. aureus (MRSA) is a major cause of healthcare associated infections and is commonly found in the nose or on skin of healthy individuals. Early screening of patients for MRSA nasal carriage to identify those patients that require isolation can be a part of an effective infection control program.

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.