Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, PCR

Test Code

MRSPR

Alias/See Also

MRSA PCR, Xpert MRSA

Preferred Specimen

Nasal swab using a dual swab with Liquid Stuart Medium (red cap).
BOTH swabs need to go in to each nostril together and rotated, then place into transport tube together.
Swabs may be labeled BBL or Copan.

Patient Preparation
Collect nasal specimens according to the following procedure using the recommended swab):
Open the collection device by peeling back the outer packaging
Keep both swabs attached to the red cap at all times.
Holding the swab cap with both swabs attached, sample each nare one at a time.
Ask the patient to tilt his/her head back. Insert dry swabs approximately 1–2 cm into each nostril
Rotate the swabs against the inside of the nostril for 3 seconds and apply slight pressure with a finger on the outside of the nose to help assure good contact between the swab and the inside of the nose
Using the same swabs, repeat for the second nostril, trying not to touch anything but the inside of the nose
Place the dual swab specimens into the transport tube containing the Liquid Stuart Medium
Make sure the red cap is on tightly
Label the transport tube
Send the swabs to the laboratory

Minimum Volume

1 swab

Transport Container

Transport tube

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 24 hours

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

Specimens collected using other swabs or media.
Nasopharyngeal specimens

Methodology
Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Reference Range

Not detected

Clinical Significance

Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is a well-documented human opportunistic pathogen that causes both community and healthcare- associated infections. It is a major healthcare-associated pathogen that can cause a variety of diseases including bacteremia, pneumonia, osteomyelitis, acute endocarditis, toxic shock syndrome, food poisoning, myocarditis, scalded skin syndrome,
carbuncles, boils, and abscesses.

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.