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Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus screen [LAB234] (Calgary/South)

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Test Name:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus screen [LAB234] (Calgary/South)
Ordering Information:
Preferred body source(s):  
Nasal and inguinal (groin)
Organism(s)/Disease(s):
MRSA admission screening
MRSA screen culture
Staphylococcus aureus
Body Source(s):
Endotracheal tube aspirate (ETA)
Fluid, drainage [specify site]
Rectal / ostomy
Sputum
Umbilicus
Urine
Wound
Wound/incision - surgical
Clinical Prerequisite(s):
Provision of relevant, clinical information is important to ensure a clinically relevant result
Always provide:
•  specimen source - label the swab with the source and MRSA
•  clinical indication for testing

Specimens are screened by culture for MRSA only

Indications for testing:
•  MRSA preadmission screening
•  MRSA admission screening
•  MRSA clearing protocol

Refer to:  Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Screen

Comments:
Preferred collection device(s):
•  MRSA E-swab collection device
•  Swab in clear transport media

Alternative collection device(s):
•  Urine:  BD Urine Vacutainer (grey)
•  Stool, ET aspirate, sputum:  sterile container

For routine admission screening, collect both nasal and inguinal swabs.  Results are reported as one order

Collection Instructions:
Collection Instructions:  Nasal and inguinal swabs for routine admission screening:
Handling and Storage:
Refrigerate
Handling/Storage Comments:
Specimen Labelling:
Confirm that all specimens are labelled with the specimen source.
   - Contact the nursing unit, as needed, to appropriately identify specimens

Nasal and inguinal specimens:  Connect Care order-entry generates only one requisition for the two swabs received
•  Confirm specimens are labelled with nasal and inguinal sources
•  Connect Care generates 2 labels with the same accession number
•  Keep swabs together with an elastic band

Urine:  Transfer from sterile container to a BD Urine Vacutainer (grey)

Rejection Criteria:
  • Mislabelled or unlabelled specimen/requisition
  • No swab in the collection device

    • Turnaround Times
    See Microbiology Information»
    Comments:
    • Screening for MRSA is performed according to provincial, regional, and/or local infection control guidelines/recommendations
    • All positive MRSA results are reported to the regional public health office, the ordering physician and infection control, if applicable

    Last Reviewed:
    19 May 2023