Laboratory Services
Culture, MRSA Surveillance Screen (Nasal Only)
Print this pageUpdated 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 |
|
| Specimen Requirements |
Bacterial Culture Transport Swab w/gel, Amies Transport swab, other transport systems also accepted. |
|
| Alternate Specimen Type |
Nose, nares, or nasal swab |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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. |
