MRSA PCR

Message

Do not send the smaller e-Swab sizes (green or blue cap)

Test Code

MRSA1

CPT Codes
87641

Preferred Specimen

Liquid Stuart swab

BBL™ CultureSwab™ Liquid Stuart single or double swab

Copan (Venturi) Transystem™ Liquid Stuart single or double swab

Other Acceptable Specimens

eSwab, BBL™ CultureSwab™ Liquid Amies single or double swab, Copan (Venturi) Transystem™ Liquid Amies single or double swab, Eswab, Copan Liquid Amies Collection and Transport System (white cap)

Transport Temperature

Refrigerate

Specimen Stability

15-25°C up to 48 hours
2-8°C up to 5 days

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

The following conditions will result in a rejected sample:

Sample collected in M4
Smaller e-Swab sizes (green or blue cap)
Dry swab
Source other than nasal
Frozen samples
Swabs with wire shafts
Swabs with wooden shafts

Methodology
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

Setup Schedule

M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Sun

Report Available

Report available M-Sa within 8 hours of receipt.
Report available on Sun or holidays within 12 hours of receipt.

Reference Range

Negative

Clinical Significance

Screen for colonization only; not for diagnosing infection.

Performed By
Alverno Laboratories

Performing Laboratory
Alverno Central Lab
NMB13 (Molecular Biology, BD Max)

Last Updated: June 7, 2023

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.