MRSA Culture Screen
Test Mnemonic
MRSASC
CPT Codes
- 87081 - QTY (1)
LOINC ®
13317-3
Aliases
- Culture, MRSA
- Methicillin Resistant Staph aureus Culture
Performing Laboratory
Cleveland Clinic Laboratories
Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One | Swab(s) | Swab | Ambient | Any site accepted. Collect with dual swab BD CultureSwab collection device with Stuart's Transport Medium. |
Stability
| Environmental Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Ambient | 48 hours |
| Refrigerated | Unacceptable |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |
Days Performed
Sun - Sat
Turnaround Time
4 days
Methodology
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Culture |
Reference Range
Special Info
MRSA and MSSA screening is also available by PCR (SAPCR) for faster turnaround time but is limited to nares specimens. An alternative culture order is SANSAL which detects colonization with methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin susceptible S. aureus (MSSA).
Clinical Info
This test detects colonization with methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by culture. An overnight broth enrichment step is included. Insert a sterile swab into the nose until resistance is met at the level of the turbinates (approximately 1-2 cm into one nostril). Rotate the swab against the nasal mucosa for 3 sec. Apply slight pressure with a finger on the outside of the nose to ensure good contact between swab and inside of nose. Using the same swab, repeat for the other nostril. Samples from other anatomic sites may be submitted.
Clinical Limitation
This test should not be used to diagnose and treat infections.
Clinical Reference
Negative for MRSA.