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Methicillin Resistant Staph aureus Screen
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Approval req'd? | No |
| Available Stat? | No |
| Test code | P114 |
| Test group | Bacterial culture |
| Performed by | Microbiology |
| In House Availability | Set up daily on day shift |
| Method | Culture with selective/differential media |
| Patient Preparation | None |
| Collection Instructions | 1. Run both swabs quickly under tap water to slightly moisten the swabs. 2. Using both swabs at the same time, gently insert the swabs approx 1/4 " into the anterior nares (just inside the nasal orofice). Swab in a circular motion; and repeat in second nostril, using the same two (2) swabs. 3. Place swabs into Amies (charcoal) transport media , cap and deliver per protocol to Microbiology. |
| Container type | Swabs in Amies transport media with charcoal |
| Amount to Collect | 2 swabs |
| Sample type | Anterior nares swab |
| Preferred volume | 2 swabs in Amies transport media |
| Min. Volume | 2 swabs in Amies transport media |
| Processing notes | Refrigerate specimen if not set up the same day of collection. |
| Normal range | No MRSA isolated |
| Synonyms | MRSA screen; Staphylococcus aureus |
| Stability | Room temperature or refrigerated 24 hours. |
| Turn around times | 24-48 hours |
| Additional information | Per California law effective 1/1/2009 all patients admitted to UCSF who meet one or more of the following 5 criteria must be screened for MRSA within 24 hours of admission. Screening Criteria: 1. Patients previously discharged from an acute care hospital within 30 days of UCSF admission 2. Patients admitted to an intensive care unit 3. Patients receiving inpatient dialysis 4. Patients transferred from skilled nursing facilities Screening is performed on swabs from the patient's anterior nares only. Click here for MRSA educational materials |
| CPT coding | 87081 |
| LOINC code | 52969-3 |
| Last Updated | 10/2/2010 11:53:03 AM |
| Entry Number | 1184 |
If you have additional questions regarding this test, please call: 415-353-1667