MRSA screening

SPECIMENS FOR MRSA SCREENING

See INFECTION CONTROL POLICY DOCUMENT (available on the ward). and intranet link.

Specimen Type

Routine swab inserted into transport medium

Optimal time of specimen collection

For elective hospital admission: as per admission policy, as close to the inpatient admission as reasonably possible.

For urgent admissions: as per admission policy for patient groups to be screened at or as soon after the admission.

Correct specimen type and method of collection

An MRSA screen comprises of swabs from nose (1 swab), perineum/groin (1 swab) and any manipulated sites (e.g. wounds, tracheostomy, sputum, catheter urine).

Quantity and number of specimens

Minimum is 2 swabs: nose and groin/perineum swab.

Laboratory analysis

Only for MRSA

Transport

Refrigerate if any delay.

Turnaround time

48-72 hours for positive result; 24 hours if negative. New positive MRSA isolations are telephoned to the ward.

	Specimen Type	Routine swab inserted into transport medium
	Optimal time of specimen collection	For elective hospital admission: as per admission policy, as close to the inpatient admission as reasonably possible. For urgent admissions: as per admission policy for patient groups to be screened at or as soon after the admission.
	Correct specimen type and method of collection	An MRSA screen comprises of swabs from nose (1 swab), perineum/groin (1 swab) and any manipulated sites (e.g. wounds, tracheostomy, sputum, catheter urine).
	Quantity and number of specimens	Minimum is 2 swabs: nose and groin/perineum swab.
	Laboratory analysis	Only for MRSA
	Transport	Refrigerate if any delay.
	Turnaround time	48-72 hours for positive result; 24 hours if negative. New positive MRSA isolations are telephoned to the ward.