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23315 MRSA Detection, PCR

MRSA Detection, PCR
Test Code: MRSAD
Synonyms/Keywords
Methicillin Resistant Staph aureus​
Useful For
​The direct detection of nasal colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) to aid in the prevention and control of MRSA infections in healthcare settings.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type Preferred Container/Tube Acceptable Container/Tube Specimen Volume Specimen Minimum Volume
(allows for 1 repeat)		 Pediatric Minimum Volume
(no repeat)
​Nasal Specimen Copan Transystem Dual Swab 2 swabs per collection device​ 2 swabs per collection device​ 1 swab per collection device​
Collection Processing Instructions
​Nasal specimen collected with a COPAN Dual Swab. This is the only acceptable swab that can be used for specimen collection.  Any other swab type will be rejected.

For more information on Specimen Collection Media/Swab, see Specimen Transport Pictorial.
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type Temperature Time
Coban Dual ​Swab ​ ​Ambient ​5 days
​Refrigerate ​5 days
Rejection Criteria
Specimens with excessive nasal mucus
Specimens with excessive blood on swabs
Specimens exposed to excessive heat
Sources other than nasal swabs
Performing Laboratory Information
Performing Location Day(s) Test Performed Analytical Time Methodology/Instrumentation
​Flambeau Hospital ​Monday through Sunday ​​3 hours ​Nucleic Acid Test (PCR Based)
​Marshfield Monday through Sunday
6-8 hours*
 ​Nucleic Acid Test (PCR Based)
​Neillsville​Monday through Sunday​​​3 hours ​​Nucleic Acid Test (PCR Based)
*Testing performed once/day.
For Marshfield, sample must be received in the lab by 0800 to be tested same day.​
Test Information
Additional aerobic culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing can be performed on positive specimens if the lab is contacted within 72 hours of specimen collection
Reference Range Information
Performing Location Reference Range
All Performing Sites ​ No MRSA detected
Outreach CPTs
CPT Modifier
(if needed)		 Quantity Description Comments
​87641 ​ ​ ​ ​
Synonyms/Keywords
Methicillin Resistant Staph aureus​
Ordering Applications
Ordering Application Description
​Centricity ​MRSA Detection, PCR
​Cerner ​MRSA Detection, PCR
If the ordering application you are looking for is not listed, contact your local laboratory for assistance.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type Preferred Container/Tube Acceptable Container/Tube Specimen Volume Specimen Minimum Volume
(allows for 1 repeat)		 Pediatric Minimum Volume
(no repeat)
​Nasal Specimen Copan Transystem Dual Swab 2 swabs per collection device​ 2 swabs per collection device​ 1 swab per collection device​
Collection Processing
​Nasal specimen collected with a COPAN Dual Swab. This is the only acceptable swab that can be used for specimen collection.  Any other swab type will be rejected.

For more information on Specimen Collection Media/Swab, see Specimen Transport Pictorial.
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type Temperature Time
Coban Dual ​Swab ​ ​Ambient ​5 days
​Refrigerate ​5 days
Rejection Criteria
Specimens with excessive nasal mucus
Specimens with excessive blood on swabs
Specimens exposed to excessive heat
Sources other than nasal swabs
Useful For
​The direct detection of nasal colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) to aid in the prevention and control of MRSA infections in healthcare settings.
Reference Range Information
Performing Location Reference Range
All Performing Sites ​ No MRSA detected
For more information visit:
Performing Laboratory Information
Performing Location Day(s) Test Performed Analytical Time Methodology/Instrumentation
​Flambeau Hospital ​Monday through Sunday ​​3 hours ​Nucleic Acid Test (PCR Based)
​Marshfield Monday through Sunday
6-8 hours*
 ​Nucleic Acid Test (PCR Based)
​Neillsville​Monday through Sunday​​​3 hours ​​Nucleic Acid Test (PCR Based)
*Testing performed once/day.
For Marshfield, sample must be received in the lab by 0800 to be tested same day.​
For billing questions, see Contacts
Outreach CPTs
CPT Modifier
(if needed)		 Quantity Description Comments
​87641 ​ ​ ​ ​
For most current information refer to the Marshfield Laboratory online reference manual.