Methicillin Resistant Staph aureus

Specimen Information:

Collection Instructions:

MRSA/SA (Collection Diagram) 

1. Use a double swab Copan Liquid Stuart collection kit 
2. Insert each dry swab into the nostril 1-2 cm and rotate against the inside of the nostril for 3 seconds.
   • NOTE: The swabs may be lightly pre-moistened with sterile saline to aid in patient comfort during collection.  Saline should not be poured into the Liquid Stuart transport tube. 
3. Repeat this step with each swab in the second nostril
   • NOTE: It is very important that both swabs are rotated in both nares. Our testing protocol only uses 1 swab (with a second for repeat testing if needed) and we do not want to miss MRSA if only one nostril is colonized) 
4. Place the swabs into the tube.
5. Label the transport tube with sample identification information including 2 unique patient identifiers.

Rejection Criteria:

E-Swab