Test Code 90417
CPT Code 87081
Methodology Chrom Aagar method
Reference Range(s) No Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated.
Clinical Significance
MRSA is a major cause of nosocomial and life threatening infections. Infections with MRSA have been associated with a significantly high morbidity, mortality and cost. Selection of these organisms has been greatest in the healthcare setting. However, MRSA has also become more prevalent in the community.
To control the transmission of MRSA, the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) has recommended guidelines, which include an active surveillance to identify potential reservoirs and a rigorous infection control program to control the spread of MRSA.
Rapid, accurate, and cost-effective screening tests for MRSA colonization are needed in order to reduce the economic burden of this pathogen.
The MRSA Culture Screen test detects colonization with Methicillin resistantStaphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in patients and can be used as a tool in infection prevention and control efforts. Early detection of this pathogen can accelerate the isolation process, thus minimizing the spread of infections