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Test Code LAB234 Culture, Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Screen, Nasal

Important Note

  • Sources required on patient label and in order.
  • The purpose of this test is to detect and isolate MRSA. This testing allows for the potential for sensitivity (antibiotic testing for appropriate antibiotic treatment of MRSA. For determining MRSA carrier status, the more appropriate test is LAB2202 Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Screen by PCR.
  • This test is for Nasal/Nares collection only. Suspected MRSA infection of other sources, order LAB503 Culture, Wound with Gram Stain.
  • Susceptibility testing only done upon request. Order LAB3209 Microbiology Orderable commenting “susceptibility needed for MRSA Culture”. Notify Microbiology department for add on susceptibility test (309-779-2021).
Infectious

Additional Codes

Sunquest: CMRSA

Collection

Patient Preparation:

1. Insert sterile swab into the nose until resistance is met at the level of the turbinate (approximately 1 inch into the nose). Rotate the swab against the nasal mucosa.

2. Repeat process in the other nostril.

Specimen Type:

Nasal/Nares only collection in a Copan eSwab.

Minimum Volume:

eSwab: entire swab.

Reasons for Rejection:

               Dry swab, in a non-sterile container, or does not meet collection, storage, or transport requirements.

Stability

Ambient: 24 hours

Refrigerated: 24 hours (Preferred)

Frozen: Unacceptable

Reference Range

Culture Dependent

Methodology

Standard bacterial culture and identification.

 

Performing Laboratory

UnityPoint Health Pathology Laboratory Ankeny, IA

Days Performed:

               Set up Sunday-Saturday (Cultures read on day shift only.)

Analytical Time:

2 days

CPT Codes

Culture- 87081