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MRSA/MSSA Screen by PCR, Nares (8000101312)
Test Mnemonic:
Specimen Requirements:
Collection:

Standard collection and handling procedures used to collect nasal swab specimens are appropriate. 

Container:

Liquid Stuart, Liquid Amies, ESwabs

Minimum Volume:

1 swab

Storage/Transport:

Refrigerate 2-8C up to 5 days. Room temperature 15-28C up to 24 hours. 

Specimen Preparation:

Culturette swabs are ready to use. ESwab must be vortexed and transferred.

Stability:

Refrigerate 2-8C up to 5 days. Room temperature 15-28C up to 24 hours.

Causes for Rejection:

Improper collection. Specimen container unlabeled or labeled incorrectly. No date and time of collection or collector information on order. Duplicate specimen collected during the same hospital admission if the first specimen was positive. 

Reference Range:

Negative

Turnaround Time:

Test is performed 7 days per week and 3 times per day.

Methodology:

Real-Time PCR

Performed:
Lab:

Clinical Microbiology

Synonyms:

MRSA Screen

Clinical Indication:

Screening test for the presence of Staphlycoccus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphlyococcus aureus from nasal swabs in patients at risk for nasal colonization.

Patient Preparation :

No preparation needed.

CPT 4 Code:

87640, 87641

When ordering tests for which Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement will be sought, physicians should only order tests that are medically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient. Components of the organ or disease panels may be ordered individually. The diagnostic information must substantiate all tests ordered and must be in the form of an ICD-10 code or its verbal equivalent.
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