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MRSA by PCR-994

Test info

Test name:

MRSA by PCR

Test number:

994

Excellian order number:

LAB994

Abbreviation:

MSO

Alternate names:

Methicillin resistant Staph aureus
Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin resistant

Useful for:

For screening children and adults admitted to the high risk units, e.g., medical surgical or ICU, with anticipated long stays. Also for screening patients from families with MRSA and patients from long-term care units and/or nursing homes. For screening pre-surgical patients for whom Staphylococcus aureus may pose a risk of pneumonia or post-operative wound infection.

Specimen

Patient preparation information:

Patient must clear mucus and/or blow nose before specimen collection

Specimen type:

Nasal swab

Collection container:

ESwab standard tip collection kit (white)

Collection instructions:

Have patient tilt head back
Using the same swab for left and right anterior nares, insert swab 1-2 cm. in each nostril
Rotate swabs against the inside of the nostril for 3 seconds while applying slight pressure with a finger on the outside of the nose for good contact

Transport container:

ESwab standard tip collection kit (white)

Transport and stability:

Refrigerated (preferred) - 5 days

Ambient - 24 hours

Reason for rejection:

Wooden swabs
Specimen source other than nares

Performance

Performing lab:

M Health Fairview Infectious Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory/UMMC-East Bank (MRSAPC): R-NX

Days set up:

Daily

TAT:

1 - 2 days

Method:

Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)

Clinical and Interpretive info

Reference ranges:

Negative

Billing

CPT codes:

87641

Subject to medical necessity (Y/N):

Yes

LCD/NCD:

Medical necessity

Tracking

Date created:

11/14/2008

Revised date:

05/21/2020

Review date:

06/02/2020