Infection control screen – detection of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
| Surveillance cultures for the identification of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization | |
| Microbiology | |
| Bacteriology | |
| ○ Nasal swab ○ Rectal swab ○ Wound/open lesion swab ○ Combined nasal/axilla/groin/perineum swab |
Other Information
○ More than one site may need to be sampled to obtain optimal sensitivity
○ Swab in Amies transport medium (eSwab)
○ Moisten a sterile swab and swab site of suspected infection or colonization. Place the swab in Amies transport medium for transport
○ For nasal swabs, rotate inside/over each site to be sampled (particularly for dry skin or nares). Both nares can be sampled using a single swab rotated on the surface.
○ For rectal swabs, insert into the area of the anal sphincter.
○ For combined swabs, sample upper body prior to lower body.
○ For nasal swabs, rotate inside/over each site to be sampled (particularly for dry skin or nares). Both nares can be sampled using a single swab rotated on the surface.
○ For rectal swabs, insert into the area of the anal sphincter.
○ For combined swabs, sample upper body prior to lower body.
Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery
In-house
○ Up to 5 days
416-586-4800 extension 4432
NO
○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.
○ Transport specimen to the UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory at room temperature (20-25˚C). If a delay in transport of more than 2h is anticipated, keep swab at refrigeration temperature (2-8˚C).
○ Transport specimen to the UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory at room temperature (20-25˚C). If a delay in transport of more than 2h is anticipated, keep swab at refrigeration temperature (2-8˚C).