A MRSA screening is a process whose purpose is to detect the presence of the MRSA bacteria in patients. MRSA screenings are used primarily on colonised patients and on infected patients after they have been treated, to determine whether any resistant bacteria remains.

At a community level, MRSA screening may help to identify the source of a MRSA outbreak, and at a national level it can help to identify genetic characteristics of a MRSA strain.

MRSA Culture

The most commonly used test to identify MRSA colonisation is the culture. A swab is taken from the patient and is then cultured. Swabs are usually taken from the nose, though they can also be collected from wound sites or skin lesions on people with known MRSA infections. The culture is a definitive test and usually takes one to two days to complete.

When Are MRSA Screenings Performed?

A MRSA screening may be requested when a doctor, health department, researcher or hospital wants to evaluate MRSA colonisation in a patient, family member or group of people within the community. Certain populations in a community whose members have close contact may be tested for MRSA when an increased number of infections occur within their group. Example of these populations include football teams, residents of nursing homes and health care workers. Sometimes patients who have previously been treated for MRSA will be screened to determine whether the bacteria is still present.

MRSA Screening On Admission To Hospital

To cut down the number of hospital acquired MRSA infections, some hospitals have introduced a screening process that takes place when patients are admitted. Additionally, healthcare workers and family members of carriers may also be screened for MRSA.