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HelpTest Code M50 MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staph aureus) Culture, Nasal
Infectious
Additional Codes
ALAB: MRSACUL
PowerChart: Culture MRSA Nasal
MA Cerner: Nasal MRSA Culture
Test Method
Broth Enrichment Method; Manual Agar Growth and Biochemical Identificaiton. Methicillin-resistance is determined by the detection of Penicillin-Binding Protein 2 (PBP2).
Specimen Requirement
A nurse or physician collected nasal specimen is required.
Additional Specimen Collection Information
- Using a culture swab with transport media, insert the swab 1-2 cm into the nares.
- Rotate the swab against the anterior nasal mucosa for 3 seconds.
- Using the same swab, repeat for the other nares.
- Return the swab to the culture tube and transport the specimen to the laboratory within 24 hours.
- Samples collected using nasopharyngeal swabs or Cepheid sample collection device swabs are also acceptable.
Performance
Testing performed Monday through Sunday
72 hours after the specimen arrives at the testing site
Reference Values
No MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staph aureus) isolated.
CPT Code Information
87081 Identification of Microorganisms: Culture, presumptive Pathogenic organisms, screening only
Useful For
Detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in nasal specimen.
LOINC Code Information
52969-3 Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus [Presence] In Nose By Organism Specific Culture