MRSA screening (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus)

A screen comprises a series of swabs (pre-moistened in sterile saline) from:

• Axilla
• Nose
• Groin / Perineum
• Any wounds / i.v. sites
• Any skin lesions / eczema etc / leg ulcer swab

A catheter specimen of urine should also be sent if appropriate.

Screening swabs from inpatients are generally inoculated at ward level into salt broths using wooden shafted cotton tipped swabs. The salt broth must be clearly labelled with the patients details. Click here for instructions for wards on “MRSA Screening Using Salt Broths.”
MRSA screening swabs may also be sent in routine transwabs (black) media.
Only one request form needs to be sent per patient.

Turnaround Time (MRSA PCR)

48 hours