Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Colonization Screening Culture

Test ID: 

705810

CPT code:

87081

Synonyms:

MRSA

Clinical Use:

Screen for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization of patients and staff in health care settings

Specimen Type:

Swab specimen of anterior nares, axilla, or groin in bacterial swab transport

Requested Volume: 

One swab

Container Type: 

Bacterial swab transport

Collection:

Nares: Insert swab into one anterior naris. Apply slight pressure to the nostril and rotate swab to sample the inside surface. Insert the same swab into the other naris and repeat. Place swab into swab transport tube.

Axilla, groin: Swab the surface of the superficial skin area. Place swab into swab transport tube.

Storage Instructions:

Maintain specimen at room temperature.

Rejection Criteria:

Specimen received without proper identification; inappropriate specimen transport device; unlabeled specimen or name discrepancy between request label; specimen received after prolonged delay (usually more than 72 hours); expired transport device