Test Directory
MRSA Screen
Containers - Adult
MWE Sterile Swab with Gel
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Containers - Child
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MWE Sterile Swab with Gel
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Laboratory Site
Old Dalkeith Road
Edinburgh
EH16 4SA
Howden
Livingston
West Lothian
EH54 6PP
Transport arrangements
Transport as soon as is practicable.
Sample storage arrangements
If delay in transporting, store in the fridge (4-6°C).
Special instructions for collection
Useful: in patients where MRSA colonisation is required to be screened for, or where MRSA infection is suspected. Please see the Infection Prevention and Contol Policy about who requires a Clinical Risk Assessment and Screening on admission.
Usual sites required: Nose, perineum (throat swab if perineal swab not clinically possible) and any wound. However please see Infection Prevention and Contol Policy re: different policies for different departments. EOPD SJH should also take eye swabs. Routine bacteriological swabs are less sensitive for MRSA so please specifically send separate swabs labelled for MRSA screening.
How to request
Via Trak (Search "MRSA" and specify whether National Screening (Nasal and Perineal), Standard Screening or 116/118 Screening).
Availability
0900-2000 (RIE), 0900-1700 (SJH)
Anticipated turnaround
Up to 3 days
What happens if the result is positive or abnormal
Telephoned by microbiologist.
General additional information
MRSA screens undertaken whilst a patient is on antibiotics may give false negative results; therefore screening should be undertaken 48 hours after completion of antibiotics. Send separate samples for routine culture if needed as these will only be for MRSA testing. Do not use dry swabs.