Advanced Diagnostic Laboratories

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Cepheid Sample Collection Device-COPAN LQ Stuart Swabs (Cat # 900-0370)

Specimen Preparation

Nasal Screen:
Obtain a Cepheid Sample Collection Device (Copan double transport swab). If possible, have the patient blow their nose prior to sample collection. Open the Cepheid Collection Device (Copan double transport swab) by peeling back the outer packaging. Do not separate swabs; use both swabs.
Ask the patient to tilt his/her head back. Insert both dry swabs approximately 1-2 cm into one of the nostrils. Rotate the swabs against the inside of the nostril for 3 seconds.
Apply slight pressure with a finger on the outside of the nose to help assure good contact between the swab and the inside of the nose. Using the same swabs, repeat for the second nostril, trying not to touch anything but the inside of the nose. If the patient has a nasogastric tube, DO NOT swab the nostril containing the tube; swab only the open nostril. If lubricant has recently been placed in the nostril, make sure the patient blows their nose before collection. If there has been recent surgery of the nose, use the nostril that was not operated upon. If both nostrils have had recent surgery, contact the laboratory before collecting a specimen. Twist off the cap of the plastic transfer tube and discard it. Place the swabs into the plastic transport tube. The swabs should be all the way into the tube until they rest on top of the sponge at the bottom of the tube. Make sure the red cap is on tightly. The swabs should stay attached to the red cap at all times. Label the plastic transport tube with the patient name, patient identification number, date and time of collection and the initials of the nurse who collected the specimen.
Skin and Soft Tissue:
Obtain a Cepheid Sample Collection Device (Copan double transport swab).
Open the Cepheid Collection Device (Copan double transport swab) by peeling back the outer packaging.
Collect the specimen to be tested using both swabs. DO NOT separate swabs. If the collection area is dry, the swabs can be moistened with sterile saline to improve bacterial collection. Twist off the cap of the plastic transfer tube and discard it. Place the swabs into the plastic transport tube. The swabs should be all the way into the tube until they rest on top of the sponge at the bottom of the tube. Make sure the red cap is on tightly. The swabs should stay attached to the red cap at all times. Label the plastic transport tube with the patient name, patient identification number, date and time of collection and the initials of the nurse who collected the specimen. Label the specimen(s) with the collection site(s)

 

Patient Prep

For Nasal Screen, if possible, have the patient blow their nose prior to sample collection.

Pediatric Collection

Same as adult.

Unacceptable Conditions

• Improperly labeled/identified specimens.

• Specimens which exceed stability limits.

• Expired collection device/swab.

• Collection of specimen with non-approved swabs.

• Improper specimen type

• Received Frozen

 

Interfering Substances:

1. Inhibition of MRSA/SA SSTI Assay has been observed with the following substances: StaphA +Septic (5% w/v), Hydrocortisone (5% w/v) and antibacterial hand sanitizer (5% w/v).

2. Samples containing Mercurochrome may not be used due to its fluorescent nature.

3. Blood, excessive nasal secretions/mucus, decongestants and substances used to relieve nasal dryness or irritation may inhibit PCR and give unresolved results.

Storage Transport Temp

Transport in ≤24 hrs. at room temperature.

Storage conditions if transport time will be exceeded: Refrigerate at 2-8ºC.

Stability

Room temperature (15 - 30°C): ≥24 hours

Refrigerated (2 - 8°C): 5 days

Frozen: Unacceptable

Notes

The Cepheid Sample Collection Device-COPAN LQ Stuart Swabs (Cat # 900-0370) is the only acceptable collection device for the rapid PCR MRSA. Nasal Screen and for rapid PCR MRSA/SA Skin and Soft Tissue Test.

Performed

7 Days a Week

Methodology

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Reported

1 Day

Department

Microbiology Lab

Synonyms

-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
-staph;RMRSA
-MRSA
-Rapid MRSA
-Staph aureus

 

Related Tests

N/A

Reference Interval

Negative. No methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus detected by PCR (Amplified Probe).

Interpretation

This assay is used to detect the presence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) DNA in a patient's anterior nares or skin and soft tissue. The use of real-time PCR to detect the presence of MRSA DNA in clinical specimens allows for rapid patient testing.

CPT Code

87641