: MRSA Screen, Nasal Swab (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Screening)
: This test checks a swab from inside the nose for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a type of bacteria that can be hard to treat because it resists many common antibiotics.
[": A nasal MRSA screen helps identify carriers of resistant staph bacteria so that appropriate precautions and treatment can be considered."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 36072-7
- Short code
- MR Sternum
- Synonyms
- MR Sternum
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- mr
- 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 This Test Looks For
: The test looks for the presence of MRSA bacteria on a sample taken from the front part of the nostrils, a common place where these bacteria live without causing harm. Finding MRSA does not necessarily mean you are infected or sick.
: How the Sample Is Collected
: A healthcare worker gently rubs a small soft swab inside one or both nostrils. The swab is then sent to the laboratory, where it is tested for the bacteria using a rapid molecular method or by culture.
: Why It May Be Ordered
: This screen is commonly done before hospital admission or certain surgeries, when moving into a care facility, or as part of infection-control programs. It helps identify people who carry MRSA so that steps can be taken to prevent its spread.
: What the Results Mean
: A negative result means MRSA was not detected on the swab. A positive result means MRSA bacteria were found, which usually indicates carriage rather than active infection. Your care team will interpret the result alongside your symptoms and history.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
: MRSA screening supports infection prevention and stewardship of antibiotics. Detecting carriers allows healthcare teams to apply appropriate contact precautions and, when needed, decolonization strategies, helping reduce transmission in hospitals and other care settings.
Short name
: MRSA Screen
Frequently asked questions
: Does a positive result mean I have an infection?
: Is the nasal swab painful?
: Can MRSA carriage go away on its own?
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