Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Surveillance Screen, Nose/Groin - Saskatoon

Overview

Description

Ordering recommendations

• Refer to Ordering Recommendations for Clinical Microbiology Testing webpage to ensure specimen and requisition requirements are met prior to collection.

Test ordering requirements

Forms required

• Bacteriology/Mycology/TB/ Parasitology Requisition Form #101063 

Alias

• MRSA screening

Specimen Information

Specimen types accepted

• Nose/Groin swab 

Specimen collection container

• Preferred collection container: Copan ESwab Collection Kit

Collection procedure

• Refer to Infection Prevention and Control Policy and Procedure Manual 
• Insert swab into 1 mL transport medium tube and break swab shaft to replace cap

Transport and stability

• Stable 48 hours at room temperature

Rejection criteria

• Rejection Criteria of Clinical Microbiology Specimens

Testing Information

Clinical interpretation

• Methodology and Clinical Interpretation for Microbiology Testing 

Performance

Days/times performed

Availability	Division of Clinical Microbiology Laboratory Hours of Operation
Testing site	Bacteriology Laboratory, RUH

Maximum laboratory time

Results reporting

• Anticipated Reporting Times for Clinical Microbiology Results
• Critical and Semi-Urgent Values Notification Chart for Clinical Microbiology

Specimen retention time

• Specimen Retention Times for Clinical Microbiology

Last Updated: June 16, 2026