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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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MRSA SCREEN, PCR

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2701    Geisinger Epic ID:  41927

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 swabs. Improper specimen type.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

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):  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 methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) Staphylococcus chromosomal cassette (SCC) gene target to aid in the prevention and control of MRSA infection in healthcare settings.


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

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, MRSAP


Clinical significance: 

Nasal colonization with MRSA has been shown to be a significant risk factor for transmission of 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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