Ordering Recommendation

Aids in assessing for MRSA in patients presenting with pneumonia. Test has a high negative predictive value.

New York DOH Approval Status

This test is New York state 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

Place specimen in an individually sealed bag.

Storage/Transport Temperature

Refrigerated

Unacceptable Conditions

Specimen types other than those listed. Rayon swabs.

Remarks

Specimen source required.

Stability

Ambient: 24 hours; Refrigerated: 1 week; Frozen: Unacceptable

Methodology

Qualitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Performed

Sun-Sat

Reported

1-2 days

Reference Interval

Not Detected

Interpretive Data

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

The Xpert MRSA NxG test performance has not been evaluated in patients less than two years of age.

Hotline History

N/A

CPT Codes

87641

Components

Component Test Code* Component Chart Name LOINC
3002033 MRSA Detection by PCR 72887-3
* 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

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by PCR, Nasal