MRSA Screen

Pathology category

Microbiology

Code

MRSA

Referral code

N/A

Request form

ICE request form. Please include all relevant clinical details, including any current antibiotic treatment.

Test information

For Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) culture screen of nose and groin swabs. Tests performed in a UKAS Accredited Medical Laboratory No. 8873.

Guidelines

N/A

Pre-analytical

Always state site and nature of swab. Additionally, provide concise, relevant clinical information including antimicrobial therapy. Any materials used in taking these samples must be discarded in an approved clinical waste and/or sharps container. If there is a delay in transporting the sample to the laboratory, please store at room temperature.

Reference range

N/A

Tube type

Tube type info

Two separate swabs, each in charcoal transport medium (‘Transwab’). Dry swabs are not suitable and will not be processed.

Special requirements

Specialist chromogenic MRSA screening growth media is used for this investigation. Culture results are not validated prior to a minimum of 18 hours incubation. Interim results cannot be provided during this incubation time. Cultures will be interpreted after the minimum incubation time has been reached.

Minimum volume

N/A

Assay frequency

Processed daily

TAT Inpatient (urgent)

24 hours from sample receipt. Please inform laboratory via telephone and arrange urgent transport of sample.

TAT Inpatient

2 days

TAT GP/Outpatient

2 days

Referral lab

Local