Recommendations when to order or not order the test. May include related or preferred tests.
Assist in assessing for MRSA in patients presenting with pneumonia. High negative predictive value.
Mnemonic
Unique test identifier.
MRSA PCR
Methodology
Process(es) used to perform the test.
Qualitative Polymerase Chain Reaction
Performed
Days of the week the test is performed.
Sun-Sat
Reported
Expected turnaround time for a result, beginning when ARUP has received the specimen.
1-2 days
New York DOH Approval Status
Indicates test has been approved by the New York State Department of Health.
This test is New York DOH approved.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation
Collect
Nasal specimen from ESwab (ARUP supply #45877) available online through eSupply using ARUP Connect or contact ARUP Client Services at (800) 522-2787. Collect the nasal specimen by sampling both nares one at a time with the same ESwab.
Specimen Preparation
Transfer Eswab to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube containing Liquid Amies Transport Medium. Place specimen in an individually sealed bag.
Storage/Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Unacceptable Conditions
Specimen types other than those listed. Rayon swabs.
Normal range/expected value(s) for a specific disease state. May also include abnormal ranges.
Not Detected
Interpretive Data
Background information for test. May include disease information, patient result explanation, recommendations, details of testing, associated diseases, explanation of possible patient results.
Negative nasal MRSA PCR has a high negative predictive value for MRSA pneumonia. Consider stopping Vancomycin if no other clinical indication. Contact Antimicrobial Stewardship or Infectious Diseases for further recommendations.
Compliance Category
FDA
Note
Additional information related to the test.
The Xpert MRSA NxG test performance has not been evaluated in patients less than two years of age.
Hotline History
N/A
CPT Codes
The American Medical Association Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published in ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory are provided for informational purposes only. The codes reflect our interpretation of CPT coding requirements based upon AMA guidelines published annually. CPT codes are provided only as guidance to assist clients with billing. ARUP strongly recommends that clients confirm CPT codes with their Medicare administrative contractor, as requirements may differ. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. ARUP Laboratories assumes no responsibility for billing errors due to reliance on the CPT codes published.
* 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
Other names that describe the test. Synonyms.
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by PCR, Nasal