Feedback
Antimicrobial Susceptibility - mecA Gene by PCR
0060211
Ordering Recommendation

Gold standard for detecting oxacillin/nafcillin resistance in Staphylococcus species. Determine presence of mecA gene that confers resistance to nearly all beta-lactam antibiotics. Refer to (0060707) for susceptibility panel testing for Staphylococcus spp.

Mnemonic
MA MEC
Methodology
Qualitative Polymerase Chain Reaction
Performed
Sun-Sat
Reported
1-3 days
New York DOH Approval Status
This test is New York DOH approved.
Submit With Order
ARUP Consult®
Disease Topics
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation
 
Collect
Actively growing Staphylococcus aureus or coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, in pure culture.  
Specimen Preparation
Transport sealed container with pure culture on agar slant or in bacterial transport media.  Place each specimen in an individually sealed bag.  
Storage/Transport Temperature
Room temperature.  
Unacceptable Conditions
Mixed cultures or non-viable organisms.  
Remarks
Isolate identification and specimen source required.  
Stability
Ambient: 1 week; Refrigerated: 1 week; Frozen: Unacceptable  
Reference Interval
Presence or absence (of mecA gene).
Interpretive Data
Presence of mecA gene indicates resistance to methicillin/oxacillin and most other beta-lactam antibiotics.

This test is performed pursuant to an agreement with Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.


Compliance Statement B: This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by ARUP Laboratories. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved or cleared this test; however, FDA clearance or approval is not currently required for clinical use. The results are not intended to be used as the sole means for clinical diagnosis or patient management decisions.
Note
An additional processing fee will be billed for all organisms not submitted in pure culture, as indicated in the specimen requirements.

If species identification is not provided, identification will be performed at ARUP. Additional charges apply.
CPT Code(s)
87641
Components
Component Test Code*Component Chart NameLOINC
0060211Susceptibility, mecA48813-0
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.
Aliases
  • beta-lactam antibiotic resistance
  • mecA Gene