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Test Code
MSAS
Test Name
Methicillin Resistant Staph aureus Screen
CPT Codes
87081
Included Tests

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus screen
Expected Turnaround Time
1 - 2 day
Clinical Utility

Culture based screening for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Specimen and Container Info

Specimen: Nasal Swab or other sites with concern for MRSA colonization

Container: Eswab
Collection Instructions

For Nasal Screen

  1. Place the culture swab in the first inch of the nose and gently rotate five times. Do not touch the shaft of the swab when collecting.
  2. Insert the same swab into the other nostril and roll the swab five times.
  3. Insert the swab into the transport tube. Break the shaft and securely cap the specimen.
  4. Label and send to the lab.
Transport Instructions
Transport to the laboratory at room temperature.
Stability Requirements

Room Temperature

24 hours

Refrigerated

48 hours
Methodology
Culture with reflex to additional methods for identification and susceptibility if warranted
Reference Intervals

No MRSA isolated
Performing Location
Roble Road Core Laboratory
Alternate Names
  • MRSA Screening Culture
Testing Schedule
Routine, daily
The American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published by HNL Lab Medicine are guidelines and are intended for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the exclusive responsibility of the billing entity. View the Terms.
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