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Test Code MRSA Culture, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Screen

Methodology

Conventional Culture Technique

Note:  No antibiotic sensitivities (minimum inhibitory concentration) will be routinely performed if a result of presumptive positive for MRSA by culture is entered.

Performing Laboratory

Aspen Valley Hospital

Specimen Requirements

Specimen must arrive within 48 hours of collection.

 

1. Aseptically collect specimen using Mini-tip CULTURETTETM or BBLTM CultureSwabTM Plus supplied from Nursing Unit Pyxis or Laboratory for Outreach Offices. (Specimen submitted in non-sterile container, specimen delayed >4 hours [unless collected on BBLTM CultureSwabTM Plus], or specimen other than anterior nares is not acceptable.)

2. Swab anterior nares, and obtain specimen from active margin where suspected organism will most likely be found.

3. Return swab to sterile culture transport tube to ensure specimen preservation.

4. Label specimen with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

5. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only.

Note:  1. Collect before start of antibiotic therapy whenever possible.

2. Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

Reference Values

Negative for MRSA

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

87046