Patients Colonized with MRSA Rapidly Identified

A molecular test rapidly and accurately identifies patients colonized with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Performed on the fully-automated BD Diagnostics MAX System, the MRSA molecular test received a Moderate Complexity rating under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA-88). Moderate Complexity rating allows the test to be performed by a qualified technician,

Active detection and isolation of MRSA-colonized patients help prevent transmission and reduce the rate of MRSA infections in hospitals. Rapid detection with molecular methods helps decrease unnecessary preemptive isolation and shortens the time that these patients are not properly isolated.

A recent national survey conducted by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology found that more than three quarters of healthcare facilities in the United States now conduct active surveillance testing to detect patients colonized with MRSA.

"The BD MAX MRSA assay enables efficient use of labor in the laboratory," said Tom Polen, president, BD Diagnostics-Diagnostic Systems. "Healthcare institutions can now simplify and optimize their MRSA active surveillance testing in less than a minute of hands-on time per specimen with true walk-away automation."

BD MAX is a fully automated, bench-top molecular system designed to perform a broad range of molecular tests. This includes in vitro diagnostic assays, as well as user-defined protocols and life science research applications. BD MAX GBS (for Group B Streptococci) and BD MAX MRSA assays are commercially available in the United States.

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