On December 23, 2008, the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory will begin offering rapid PCR testing for colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Nasal swab specimens must be collected using the Copan dual swab collection device (HS#26200). Specimens submitted 0700-2100 will be reported within 2 hours. PCR will not be performed on specimens collected from any site other than nares (culture will be set up instead). This test may be ordered electronically or as a write in request �MRSA PCR� on the Microbiology lab requisition. More information is available in the laboratory services handbook.

Questions may be directed to Dr. Sandra Richter (6-2990) or Dr. Daniel Diekema (4-5626).