Test Code MRSACU MRSA Surveillance Culture
Specimen Type
nasal; groin; axilla; or rectal
Preferred Collection Container
E-SWABCollection Volume
1 swab
Minimum Collection Volume
1 swab
Collection Instructions
Acceptable sites for collection are Nasal, Groin, Axilla, or Rectal.
Rejection Criteria
Inadequate labeling; Improper collection.
Specimen Storage and Stability
<48 hours at Room Temperature
Turn Around Time
Preliminary results will be reported at 1-2 days. Reports on specimens from which potential pathogens are isolated may take 3 days for completion.
Lab Department
Microbiology
Alias
MRSA Surveillance Culture; Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Screening Culture; Culture for MRSA; MRSA Culture;
EPIC Code
LAB229
Acceptable Collection Container
Eswab—White or Blue (Mini-Tip) Cap
Additional Information
Cultures of the nasal, groin, axilla, or rectal are used to assess the carrier state of MRSA. Nasal specimens submitted to the North Campus Laboratory will be tested by PCR.
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
6:00am – 12:30am