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. For detection of colonization, order Staphylococcus Surveillance Culture (0060124).
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
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.
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.
If species identification is not provided, identification will be performed at ARUP. Additional charges apply.
CPT Code(s)
Components
| Component Test Code* | Component Chart Name | LOINC |
|---|---|---|
| 0060211 | Susceptibility, mecA | 48813-0 |
Aliases
- beta-lactam antibiotic resistance
- mecA Gene
- MRSA