Antimicrobial Susceptibility - Staphylococcus
Also known as: MA STAPH
Use
The Antimicrobial Susceptibility test for Staphylococcus determines the in vitro susceptibility of Staphylococcus species to various antimicrobial agents. It's crucial for guiding the selection of effective antimicrobial therapy in patients infected with Staphylococcus spp., especially considering the variability in resistance patterns. This test is important for managing infections caused by Staphylococcus spp. by providing detailed susceptibility information to help tailor antibiotic regimens.
Special Instructions
Collect actively growing isolate in pure culture. Transport in a sealed container with pure culture on agar slant. Place each specimen in an individually sealed bag. Specimen must be an actively growing pure culture; mixed cultures or nonviable organisms are unacceptable. Isolate identification and specimen source must be provided. An additional processing fee will be billed for organisms not submitted in pure culture as indicated in the specimen requirements. If species identification is not provided, identification will be performed at ARUP, with additional charges applied.
Limitations
The test does not identify the presence of the mecA gene directly. For detecting mecA gene, refer to the separate Antimicrobial Susceptibility - mecA Gene by PCR test. The test interpretations include terms such as susceptible, intermediate, or resistant, and are selective based on the organism and source. The absence of PBP2a indicates that mecA-mediated resistance was not detected, but it does not rule out the possibility of oxacillin resistance by other mechanisms. Therefore, this test should be used in conjunction with clinical findings and other diagnostic information.
Methodology
Culture-based
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 29576-6
Result Turnaround Time
2-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Cultured Cells
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
Sealed container with pure culture on agar slant
Collection Instructions
Transport each specimen in an individually sealed bag.
Causes for Rejection
Mixed cultures or nonviable organisms
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 1 week |
| Refrigerated | 1 week |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |
