Methicillin-Resistant *Staphylococcus aureus* (MRSA) Antibody Screening in Serum/Plasma
This test checks for antibodies to *Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus* (MRSA), a type of bacteria that can cause infections. Antibodies are your body’s natural defense against germs.
["This test helps determine if your immune system has recognized and fought MRSA before."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 23295-9
- Short code
- M putrefaciens Ab Ser Ql CF
- Synonyms
- M putrefaciens Ab Ser Ql CF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- comp-fix
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does This Test Measure?
The test detects the presence of antibodies specific to MRSA in your blood. These antibodies indicate that your immune system has encountered MRSA in the past, which may suggest exposure or prior infection. The method used is typically an immunoassay (IA) or chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA).
Why Might You Need This Test?
You may need this test if you’ve had contact with someone who has MRSA, if you’re in a healthcare setting with high MRSA risk, or if you’re being evaluated for immune response after potential exposure. It’s not a direct test for MRSA itself but helps assess past exposure.
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
A positive result means your body has produced antibodies against MRSA, which could mean you’ve been exposed to the bacteria at some point. This doesn’t necessarily mean you currently have an infection but may indicate a history of exposure or prior infection.
What Does a Negative Result Mean?
A negative result suggests your body hasn’t produced these antibodies, meaning you likely haven’t been exposed to MRSA in the past or your immune system hasn’t recognized it yet.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
MRSA antibody screening is primarily used for epidemiological purposes, such as tracking exposure in healthcare settings or communities. It can help identify individuals who may have been exposed to MRSA but are not currently infected. However, it’s important to note that this test does not diagnose an active MRSA infection. If you suspect you have an infection, consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation, which may include culture tests.
Short name
MRSA Antibody Screen (Serum/Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
Can this test diagnose an active MRSA infection?
What does a positive result tell me about my health?
How soon after exposure can I expect to get a positive result?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy