Test Code MRSA CULT MRSA CULTURE
Methodology
Conventional Culture Technique
Specimen Requirements
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Aspirate
Container/Tube: Sterile container(s), #6004913 previous #261
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL (minimum volume: 0.1 mL) of aspirated material
Collection Instructions:
- If aspirated in a syringe, replace needle with a sterile, rubber cap prior to transporting specimen.
- Label container/syringe with patient’s legal name, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
Note:
If aspirate is obtained from wound or abscess, order MRSASA “MRSA/SA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) SSTI (Skin/Soft Tissue Infections) by PCR, Wound or Abscess.”
Body Fluid
Container/Tube: Sterile container(s), #6004913 previous #261
Specimen Volume: 1 mL (minimum volume: 0.5 mL) of body fluid
Collection Instructions:
- If aspirated in a syringe, replace needle with a sterile, rubber cap prior to transporting specimen.
- Label container/syringe with patient’s legal name, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
Swab
Container/Tube: Eswab, White, #72732
Specimen Volume: Entire specimen
Collection Instructions:
- Use a sterile culture swab to obtain specimen.
- Return swab to moist sponge in swab container to preserve specimen.
- Label container with patient’s legal name, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
Note:
If swab is obtained from nares, order MRSAPCR “MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) by PCR, Nares.”
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Sunday
Specimen Stability
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
Swab | Ambient | |
Reference Values
Negative for MRSA
Performing Laboratory
Logan Health Medical Center Laboratory
Test Classification and CPT Coding
87070