Sign in →

Test 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, PCR

Specimen Type

Swab

Specimen Minimum Volume

See Specimen Required.

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Swab Refrigerated (preferred) 5 days
  Ambient  24 hours

Reference Values

Negative for Staphylococcus aureus

Negative for methicillin-resistant S aureus

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

Report Available

1 day

Performing 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