Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, PCR, Nasal
Use
This test is a rapid screening tool for detecting nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus. A positive result indicates the presence of Staphylococcus aureus, which may be methicillin susceptible or resistant. It is not intended for treatment guidance or monitoring infections but rather for presurgical screening to check for colonization in patients, which is crucial in reducing surgical infections related to Staphylococcus aureus.
Special Instructions
Patients are required to blow their nose before specimen collection. The test requires a nasal cavity swab using BD E-Swab or other acceptable collection systems. Each swab should be used for both nares, ensuring contact with the nasal mucosa, and then placed back in the carrier for transportation. The label must include patient identification, and samples should be refrigerated upon sending.
Limitations
The Xpert SA Nasal Complete Assay results should be interpreted with other clinical data and are not suitable for guiding or monitoring treatment for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. False results may occur due to improper specimen collection or handling, technical errors, or the presence of high concentrations of competing organisms. Additionally, nasal steroids can inhibit the assay, and some Staphylococcus aureus strains may not be detected if they have mutations in the primer or probe regions.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
PCR-based (Real-Time PCR)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 72887-3
- 72887-3
- 79447-9
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Nasal Swab
Volume
Entire collection
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
BD Liquid Amies Elution Swab (E-Swab)
Collection Instructions
Ask the patient to blow their nose prior to collection. Use one swab for both right and left nares. Insert the white Dacron swab tip into the anterior nares, rotate for 3 seconds against the nasal mucosa, apply slight pressure externally, repeat in other nostril, then insert swab into carrier. Tightly cap the container and label with patient information.
Storage Instructions
Store refrigerated
Causes for Rejection
Incorrect swab collection/non-scored swabs
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated | 5 days |