Sign in →

Test Code MRSPCR MRSA PCR Surveillance, Nasal LAB2202

Important Note

Potentially interfering substances include blood and/or mucus.

Mutations or polymorphisms in primer and probe binding regions may affect detection of new or unknown MRSA variants resulting in a false negative result.

Refer to also MRSA Culture Nasal for non-PCR analysis.

 

Test Method

Polymerization Chain Reaction (PCR)

Performance

Testing performed Monday through Sunday

Typically completed within 2 hours after the specimen
arrives at the testing site.

Specimen Requirement

Nasal specimen collected with Cepheid collection device is
required.

 

Useful For

Detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in
nasal specimen

Reference Values

Negative

  • Important Called Result:
    Positive

CPT Code Information

87641 Detection of Infectious Agent by Probe Technique:
Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant, amplified probe
technique

LOINC Code Information

35492-8 Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) DNA
[Presence] By Probe And Target Amplification Method

Additional Specimen Collection Information

Obtain a Cepheid sample collection device (Copan double
transport swab).

  1. If possible, have the patient blow their nose prior to sample
    collection.
  2. Open the Cepheid collection device by peeling back the outer
    packaging.
  3. Do not separate swabs; use both swabs.
  4. Ask the patient to tilt his/her head back.
  5. Insert both dry swabs approximately 1-2 cm into one of the
    nostrils.
  6. Rotate the swabs against the inside of the nostril for 3
    seconds.
  7. Apply slight pressure with a finger on the outside of the nose
    to help assure good contact between the swab and the inside of the
    nose.
  8. Using the same swabs, repeat for the second nostril, trying not
    to touch anything but the inside of the nose.
  9. If the patient has a nasogastric tube, do not swab the nostril
    containing the tube; swab only the open nostril.
  10. If lubricant has recently been placed in the nostril, make sure
    the patient blows their nose before collection.
  11. If there has been recent surgery of the nose, use the nostril
    that was not operated upon.
  12. If both nostrils have had recent surgery, contact the
    laboratory before collecting a specimen.
  13. Twist off the cap of the plastic transfer tube and discard
    it.
  14. Place the swabs into the plastic transport tube.
  15. The swabs should be all the way into the tube until they rest
    on top of the sponge at the bottom of the tube.
  16. Make sure the red cap is on tightly.
  17. The swabs should stay attached to the red cap at all
    times.
  18. Label the plastic transport tube with the patient name, patient
    identification number, date & time of collection and the
    initials of the nurse who collected the specimen.
  19. Swab specimens can be stored at room temperature for up to 24
    hours.
  20. The swab specimen is stable up to 5 days when stored
    refrigerated.