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Test Code LAB7036 MSSA/MRSA (Staphylococcus aureus) culture

Infectious

Performing Laboratory

Barnes-Jewish Hospital Laboratory

Methodology

This test is intended to detect colonization with beta-hemolytic streptococci, which causes perianal streptococcal cellulitis.

Specimen Requirements

Acceptable Specimens:

 1 ESwab per test request in sterile transport tube

Collection Procedure:

1. Nasal

  1. Aseptically collect specimen using ESwab.
  2. Gently insert ESwab into nasal passage.
  3. Rotate against anterior nasal wall and remove ESwab.  Repeat same process in other nostril using the same swab.
  4. Return ESwab into transport tube.
  5. Label transport container with the patient's full name (first and last), date, and time of collection.
  6. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. 
  7. Specimen source is required.

2. Axilla or Groin

  1. Aseptically collect specimen using ESwab
  2. Return ESwab into transport tube following instructions on kit.
  3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.
  4. If transport is delayed, keep specimen at room temperature.
  5. Specimen source is required.

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

87081-Culture, presumptive, pathogenic organisms, screening only

Reference Values

No Staphylococcus aureus detected

 

Literature Reference:

Carroll, Karen, et. al. Manual of Clinical Microbiology, 13th edition. ASM Press. Washington, D.C. 2023

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient

Additional Information

Laboratory Processing Instructions:
Test performed in BJH Microbiology.