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HelpTest Code MRSAP Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, PCR, Nasal
Specimen Required
Specimen Type: Nasal cavity swab
Supplies: BD E-Swab (T853)
Container/Tube:
Preferred: BD Liquid Amies Elution Swab (E-Swab)
Acceptable: Copan Liquid Amies Elution Swab (ESwab); Cepheid nasal sample collection device (dual swab in liquid Stuart media); or Copan swab and transport systems (LQ Stuart or LQ Amies) (scored swabs only)
Specimen Volume: Entire collection
Collection Instructions:
1. Ask the patient to blow their nose prior to collection.
2. Use one swab for both right and left nares.
3. Insert the white Dacron swab tip (do not insert any further in) into the anterior nares.
4. Rotate the swab for 3 seconds against the nasal mucosa. Apply slight pressure on the outside of the nose with your finger to ensure good contact.
5. Repeat the process on the other nostril.
6. Insert the swab back into the carrier. The swabs should go all the way into the transport container. Tightly cap the container.
7. Label the transport container with patient label and send refrigerate.
Useful For
Rapid screening test for Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage that, if positive, indicates whether the S aureus is methicillin susceptible or resistant
This test should not be used to guide or monitor treatment for methicillin-resistant S aureus or S aureus infections.
Method Name
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Reporting Name
Staph aureus/MRSA, Nasal, PCRSpecimen Type
SwabSpecimen Minimum Volume
See Specimen Required.
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swab | Refrigerated (preferred) | 5 days | |
| Ambient | 24 hours |
Reject Due To
| Incorrect swab collection/non-scored swabs | Reject |
Reference Values
Negative for Staphylococcus aureus
Negative for methicillin-resistant S aureus
Interpretation
A positive result indicates presence of DNA from Staphylococcus aureus. The assay also detects the gene for methicillin resistance (mecA).
A negative result indicates the absence of detectable S aureus DNA in the specimen.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Report Available
1 dayPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
87641
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| MRSAP | Staph aureus/MRSA, Nasal, PCR | 72887-3 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| MSSAC | Staphylococcus aureus, PCR | 79447-9 |
| MRSAC | MRSA, PCR | 72887-3 |