Non-mecA MRSA Confirmation

Confirmation of non-mecA methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by PCR

Pure culture.

Isolate provided on appropriate culture medium for growth.

Send cultures as growth on culture medium or in transport medium.

Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.

N/A

Completed Antimicrobial Resistance and Nosocomial Infections Requisition.

N/A

PCR is used to confirm presence or absence of MRSA in isolates that are negative for mecA but phenotypically resistant. PCR includes, mecC, and femA and the presence of the PVL toxin (luks). Results are compared to a known standard.

6 calendar days if request is urgent, otherwise, 30 calendar days batched routinely.

1. Al-Talib H, Yean CY, Al-Khateeb A, Hassan H, Singh K-K B, Al-Jashamy K, Ravichandran M. 2009. A pentaplex PCR assay for the rapid detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Panton-Valentine lekuocidin. BMC Microbiology9: 113.