MRSA tests
Explanation
MRSA tests look for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, bacteria that resist several commonly used antibiotics. Tests may check whether someone carries the bacteria without being ill, or investigate a suspected infection. A positive screening swab does not by itself mean that the person has an infection.
What is the difference between carriage and infection?
Carriage means the bacteria are present without causing illness. A nose swab may be used to check for carriage. When an infection is suspected, the sample is chosen for the affected area or clinical question. A positive nose screen does not show that MRSA is present in the bloodstream.
How do laboratories test for MRSA?
A culture grows bacteria from a sample so they can be identified. Molecular tests look for bacterial genetic material. The purpose and limits depend on the particular test. Some nasal molecular tests are designed for carriage screening and are not intended to diagnose an active infection.
What does a negative screening result leave open?
It means that the test did not detect evidence of MRSA in the sample collected. Low amounts of bacteria or problems with collection can lead to a missed detection. The result does not establish that every body site is clear or that the person cannot carry MRSA later.
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