Staphylococcus aureus DNA Probe, Body Fluid
This test uses a DNA probe method to detect genetic material from Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in a sample of body fluid. It helps determine whether this common bacterium is present in fluid that should normally be sterile.
["A positive result suggests Staphylococcus aureus DNA is present in the body fluid, which may indicate infection, while a negative result suggests it was not detected."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 76605-5
- Short code
- S aureus sau3AI # XXX.body fld NAA+probe
- Synonyms
- S aureus sau3AI # XXX.body fld NAA+probe
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar
- 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 Detects
The test looks for DNA from Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium commonly found on the skin and in the nose. Finding its DNA in a body fluid sample can help your care team identify whether this organism is present at a site where it does not normally belong.
Why It May Be Ordered
Your provider may order this test when there are signs of infection in a body fluid, such as fever, pain, or abnormal fluid buildup. It can support decisions about diagnosis and guide antibiotic treatment choices.
How the Sample Is Collected
A sample of the relevant body fluid is collected by your healthcare team using standard sterile technique. The exact collection method depends on which fluid is being tested, so follow any preparation instructions you are given.
What Results Mean
A detected (positive) result means Staphylococcus aureus DNA was found in the sample, which may support a diagnosis of infection. A not-detected (negative) result means it was not found, though results should always be interpreted alongside your symptoms and other tests.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Detecting Staphylococcus aureus DNA in a body fluid can help confirm a bacterial infection and guide appropriate antibiotic therapy, which is important because S. aureus can cause serious infections. Results are interpreted together with culture, clinical findings, and other laboratory data; detection of DNA does not by itself distinguish living bacteria from residual genetic material, so correlation with the overall clinical picture is essential. Treatment decisions should be made by your healthcare provider.
Short name
S. aureus DNA, Body Fluid
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive result always mean I have an infection?
Is this the same as a bacterial culture?
Do I need special preparation before this test?
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