Microbiology
MRSA

Preferred Sample Type

MRSA Screen

Suitable Specimen Types

Charcoal Swab

MRSA Screen MRSA

Turnaround Time

2 to 4 Days (Negative Report) 3 to 5 Days (Positive Report)

Sample Stability

If transport is delayed, sample must be refrigerated for up to 48 hours

General Information

A full MRSA screen requires a combined swab taken from the nose (both anterior nares), and groin (both sides) along with a separate throat swab. The swabs should be moistened in sterile saline before applying to the site and placed in the charcoal transport medium to maintain viability during transit to the laboratory.

 

Please be aware that sample types other than swabs are not UKAS accredited.

Additionally, the methodology for reading MRSA culture plates has changed, this is therefore not UKAS accredited whilst the laboratory awaits extension to scope.

 

 

Information Sharing: If your sample needs to be referred or a notifiable disease is detected from your sample, your details and sample may be shared with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). This is a legal requirement. The UKHSA is sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care.

Specifications

  • EQA Status: Enrolled to UK NEQAS scheme

Link to Further Information

MRSA Screening Process Diagram (QEHB)

Tags

Bacteriology

Creation Date

Wednesday, 29 August 2018

Modification Date

Friday, 23 February 2024

General Information

General information about the website and its content

Read more

Location of Laboratories

Where the laboratories are located and information about the services offered at each laboratory

Read more

Copyright UHB Pathology 2018

Protection of Personal Information – Clinical Laboratory Services comply with the Trust Data Protection Policy and have procedures in place to allow the Directorate and it’s employees to comply with the Data Protection Act 1998 and associated best practice and guidance.

University Hospitals Birmingham medical laboratories at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital and Solihull Hospital are UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accredited to the ISO 15189:2012 standard. For a list of accredited tests and other information please visit the UKAS website using the following link: https://www.ukas.com/find-an-organisation/

  • Molecular Pathology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8759
  • Biochemistry is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8910
  • Haematology and Transfusion is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8784
  • Clinical Microbiology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8760
  • Cellular Pathology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 10141
  • Musculoskeletal laboratory is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 9897
  • Heartlands, Good Hope and Solihull Hospital pathology laboratories are a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No.8217.

Tests not appearing on the UKAS Schedule of Accreditation currently remain outside of our scope of accreditation. However, these tests have been validated to the same high standard as accredited tests and are performed by the same trained and competent staff.

For further test information, please visit the test database: http://qehbpathology.uk/test-database

For further information contact Louise Fallon, Quality Manager, 0121 371 5962