Surveillance Swab Specimen collected from Nares

Copan Dual Swab (Hospital Stores #26200)

Specimen collected using different swab (not Copan dual swab) or from site other than nares will be rejected.

24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.

2 hours (upon receipt in laboratory)

Used to detect colonization with SA and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). A positive result does not necessarily indicate viable organism.

The primers and probes in the Xpert SA Nasal Complete assay detects a proprietary sequence for the staphylococcal protein A (spa) gene, the gene for methicillin resistance (mecA), and the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) inserted into the SA chromosomal attB site. Inhibition of the SA Nasal Complete assay resulting in Invalid or false Negative test results has been observed in the presence of inhaled nasal steroids Flonase and Nasonex. Reliable results are dependent on proper specimen collection, handling, and storage.

PCR amplification; Xpert SA Test (Cepheid)

Copan Dual Swab (#26200) is available from Hospital Stores.

With patient's head tilted back, insert both dry swabs (leave attached 
to red cap) approximately 1-2 cm into one nostril. 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 ensure good contact 
between 
the swabs and inside of the nose. Using the same swabs, repeat for the 
other nostril. Place the swabs into the transport tube (swabs should 
stay attached to the red cap). Make sure the red cap is tightly on the 
transport tube.

Transport: Room temperature up to 24 hours, otherwise refrigerate
           (2-8°C) up to 5 days.