MRSA Screen (Pre-Elective)
MRSA testing is restricted to admission to high risk inpatient areas – ITU, NNU, vascular surgery, elective orthopaedic surgery, renal and haematology/oncology. Please do not send swabs from patients in other areas unless previously positive
Specimen
Nose swab & groin/perineum
Specimen container
Charcoal transwabs
MRSA Screening Request Forms
New request forms have been designed specifically for the elective pre-admission screening.
The request forms are attached to a yellow specimen bag for easy identification.
Please do not use these forms for any other types of swabs.
Special Instructions
- Please use the Pre-elective forms and yellow specimen bags.
- If using Order comms please use one specimen bag per patient. Do not mix different patient samples in the same bag .
- Please do not send Axilla/Groin swabs or Perineum swabs unless previously positive.
Test Usage
Culture for MRSA/ Pre admission detection.
Availability
Tested at RDE
Processing Time
Negative result 24 hours
Positive result 48- 72 hours
Useful Links
SMI B 29: investigation of specimens for screening for MRSA
MRSA Screening – Lab Tests Online UK
Specimen Labelling Procedure
