MRSA Screen (Emergency Admission)

Microbiology

---

MRSA testing is restricted to admission to high risk inpatient areas – ITU, NNU, vascular surgery, elective orthopaedic surgery, renal and haematology/oncology. Please do not send swabs from patients in other areas unless previously positive

Test Usage

Culture for MRSA / Early detection on admission.

Specimen

Nose swab (Throat swabs no longer need to be taken)

Specimen container

Charcoal transwab

To Request On EPIC

For electronic requesting using EPIC (RDUH ONLY):

Basic screen (Nose Only):

Search for: ‘MRSA Screen (Nose)‘ or test code ‘O1230212‘

Full screen for patients with a history of MRSA:

Search for: ‘MRSA Screen (full screen)‘ or test code ‘O1230212‘ – read the guidance and select the appropriate tests

Special Instructions

Please use one specimen bag per patient. Do not mix different patient samples in the same bag.

Please do not send Axilla/Groin swabs or Perineum swabs unless previously positive.

Availability

Tested at RDUH

Processing Time

Negative result 24 hours

Positive result 48- 72 hours

Useful Links

SMI B29: investigation of specimens for screening for MRSA

MRSA Screening – Lab Tests Online UK

Specimen Labelling Procedure