MRSA/MSSA PCR, nasal

Alphabetical Test listing

MRSA/MSSA PCR, nasal-12440

Test name:

Test number:

12440

Excellian order number:

LAB12440

Abbreviation:

MRSA PCR

Alternate names:

MRSA screening (nasal)
Methicillin resistant Staph aureus
Methicillin sensitive Staph aureus

Tests included:

MRSA
SA (Staph aureus)/MSSA

Useful for:

For screening MRSA in patients of high risk groups:

Admitted to the high risk units, e.g., medical surgical or ICU, with anticipated long stays
Presenting with pneumonia.
Pre-surgical procedures for Joints, cardiovascular, pulmonary, etc., to assess intra-op prophylactic antibiotic choice
With a history of MRSA

Limitations:

Possible interference of assay performance, resulting in false negative test results, in patients who have inhaled nasal steroids, Flonase or Nasonex, prior to sample collection.

Specimen type:

Nasal/Nares swab

Collection container:

Dual Swab in Liquid Stuart Media (Red cap dual collection bacterial swab)

Minimum volume:

1.0 mL

Collection instructions:

Have patient tilt head back.
Use each swab to collect sample from right and left nares by rotating against anterior nasal mucosa for 3 seconds.
Place swab into labeled transport tube.
Firmly cap.

Transport container:

Dual Swab in Liquid Stuart Media (Red cap dual collection bacterial swab)

Alternate collection container:

ESwab standard tip collection kit (white)

Only acceptable for testing at Central, Mercy, St, Francis, and United labs.

Alternate collection instructions:

Have patient tilt head back.
Insert the swab approximately ¾ inches into one nostril.
Rotate the swab against the anterior nasal mucosa for 3 seconds.
Using the same swab, repeat for the other nostril.
Place swab back into the transport tube.
Secure transport tube cap.

Alternate transport container:

ESwab standard tip collection kit (white)

Transport and stability:

Ambient - 48 hours

Specimen retention time:

7 days

Reason for rejection:

Specimens other than nasal or nares
Inappropriate collection containers and swabs other than listed above
- Specimen collected on green or blue eSwabs are not acceptable
Improper label (unlabeled or mislabeled)
Time delay between time of collection and receipt of specimen
Inappropriate timing of collection
Leaking container

Performing lab:

AHL - Microbiology: M

Days set up:

Daily

TAT:

12 hours from receipt

Method:

Real time PCR (RT-PCR)

Reference ranges:

Negative

CPT codes:

87640
87641

Subject to medical necessity (Y/N):

Yes

LCD/NCD:

Medical necessity

Date created:

11/22/2021

Revised date:

04/30/2025

Review date:

12/15/2023