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Synonyms
- MRSA NAA
- MRSA PCR
Expected Turnaround Time
1 - 3 days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Related Information
Related Documents
For more information, please view the literature below.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Nasal swab
Volume
Dual swab (preferred) or ESwab (preferred) or single swab
Minimum Volume
Dual swab; 1 ESwab
Container
Dual rayon swab in Liquid Stuart Media, scored; or 1 flocked swab in ESwab transport (Note: Single rayon swab in Liquid Stuart Media is discouraged as submission does not allow for repeat testing.)
Collection
Follow your institution's guidelines for collecting nasal swab specimens using a recommended collection and transport device, or using the following instructions: When using the dual rayon swabs, keep both swabs attached to the red cap at all times. Holding the swab cap with both swabs attached, sample each nare one at a time. Place the dual swab specimens into the transport tube containing the Liquid Stuart Medium.
When using the ESwab, collect the nasal specimen by sampling both nares one at a time with the same swab. Place the swab into the transport tube containing the Liquid Amies Transport Medium (ESwab Medium).
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated (preferred)
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room temperature | 24 hours (Avoid; recommend refrigerated submission) |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
Stability provided by manufacturer or literature reference.
Causes for Rejection
Inappropriate transport or storage conditions; name discrepancy or unlabeled specimen; expired swab transport; wire-shaft swab; swab broken at scoreline; nonflocked swab received in ESwab transport
Test Details
Use
MRSA by NAA is a qualitative in vitro diagnostic test for the direct detection of nasal colonization by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) to aid in the prevention and control of MRSA infections in health care settings.
Limitations
MRSA by NAA is not intended to diagnose MRSA infections nor to guide or monitor treatment for MRSA infections. Concomitant cultures are necessary only to recover organisms for epidemiological typing or for further susceptibility testing.
The MRSA by NAA test performance has not been evaluated in patients less than two years of age.
Methodology
Nucleic acid amplification (NAA)
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