Laboratory Services

Culture, MRSA Surveillance Screen (Nasal Only)

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Updated Test Information:

Test Description
Culture, MRSA Surveillance Screen (Nasal Only)
Synonym(s)

MRSA Culture, Methicillin Resistant Staph aureus, Screening Culture

Test ID
CULTMRSA
General Information

Screen for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization of patients prior to surgery, or staff in health care settings.

Specimen Type

Respiratory

Alternate Specimen Type

Nose, nares, or nasal swab

Specimen Requirements

Bacterial Culture Transport Swab w/gel, Amies Transport swab, other transport systems also accepted.

Additional Processing Details

Nose, nares, or nasal swab are the only acceptable sources for this test (if different source see wound culture, lower respiratory, or sinus culture)

Stability

Ambient: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours

Unacceptable Specimen Conditions

Unacceptable specimen transport device (including Incyte Swab, specimen in formalin, expired), improper labeling, prolonged delay in transport (greater than 72 hours)

Limitations

This test is not intended to establish diagnosis of MRSA infection.

Methodology

Culture

Estimated TAT

1-2 days. Positive culture reported as soon as detected.

Testing Schedule

Sunday-Saturday

CPT Code(s)

87081

Reference Range

Negative for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Reflex Conditions

None

Performing Lab

Incyte Diagnostics

LOINC Code(s)

13317-3

Additional Information

Organism identification is billed separately from the culture.