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Test Code PNAMRS MRSA Pneumonia Screen

Clinical Indications

MRSA PCR of the nares may be used to determine nasal colonization with methicillin resistant S. aureus. This test should be ordered on hospitalized patients with lower respiratory tract infections who are being treated empirically with anti-MRSA agents, including vancomycin and linezolid. In patients with a negative test result, MRSA pneumonia is highly unlikely and discontinuation of anti-MRSA therapy should be considered.

Additional Test Codes

Epic Order Name: MRSA Pneumonia Screen
Sunquest Order Code: PNAMRS
Px Order Code: Lab4184

Specimen Collection Type

Specimen Source: Nares (both nares should be swabbed)
Specimen Transport Device: Eswab in Amies (white cap, clear liquid)

Minimum Collection Volume

N/A

Additional Information / Notes

N/A

Reference Range

Negative

Critical Value

N/A

Interpretation

Detected: MRSA nasal colonization has a poor positive predictive value for MRSA pneumonia. Detection of MRSA nasal colonization should not be used to dictate the addition of MRSA antibiotic coverage and does not indicate a diagnosis of MRSA pneumonia.

Not Detected: The negative predictive value of this assay for MRSA pneumonia is high. Discontinuation of anti-MRSA pneumonia therapy is recommended in patients without additional clinical features that warrant MRSA therapy. Contact Infectious Diseases or Antimicrobial Stewardship with questions.

Rejection Criteria

Foam or gel swabs
Sites other than nares

Specimen Availability for Add-on Testing

3 days

Specimen Stability

24h at room temperature
7d at 2-8°C

Day(s) Performed

Batched, once daily

Analytic Time: <24 hours

Maximum in lab time: 3 days

Performing Lab - Department

TUKHS-BH-Microbiology

CPT Code

87641

LOINC Code

9001-9

Test Alias

NA