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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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STAPH AUREUS PCR

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB3086    Geisinger Epic ID:  46338

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Nasal swab, nares swab, nose swab


Preferred collection container: 
Alternate collection container: 
BBL CultureSwab Liquid Stuarts single or double swab
Copan Venturi Transystem Liquid Stuart single or double swab
Cepheid sample collection device
Specimen required: 

One swab.


Special notes: 

Check expiration date on transport device before use.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Transport temperature: 

Room temperature (15-25°C). Temperature of 2-30°C is acceptable.


Specimen stability: 

All swab types: 2-8°C for 5 days. Room temperature (15-25°C) for 24 hours.


Rejection criteria: 

Improperly labeled/identified specimens. Specimens which exceed stability limits. Expired collection device/swab. Collection of specimen with non-approved swab types. Improper specimen type.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

Negative. No Staphylococcus aureus detected by PCR (Amplified Probe). 
Negative. No methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus detected by PCR (Amplified Probe).


Critical values/courtesy alerts: 
Positive. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus detected by PCR (Amplified Probe).
CPT code(s):  87640, 87641
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

The direct detection of nasal colonization by S. aureus (SA) staphylococcal protein (spa) gene and/or methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Staphylococcus chromosomal cassette (SCC) gene targets to aid in the prevention and control of SA and MRSA infections in healthcare settings.


Methodology: 
Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Synonyms: 

SA, pre-surgical screens, MRSA, MDRO, S. aureus, Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, PCR, Staph PCR, S. areus PCR, MRSA PCR, MRSA Screen, MRSA Nasal Screen, Nasal Screen, Nares Screen, Nares PCR, MRSA screen, admission, HAI, surveillance, SAURP


Clinical significance: 

Nasal colonization with SA and/or MRSA has been shown to be a significant risk factor for transmission of SA and MRSA to other hospitalized or institutionalized patients. Colonization may also lead to self-infection.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Donna Wolk PhD, D(ABMM)
Julie Hirschhorn, PhD, HCLD(ABB)
Review Date:  12/31/2024

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