MRSA positive or "colonized with MRSA. " �
Your doctor may order another test. This will help check a result that is not normal or to learn more about a diagnosis.The doctor will talk with you about your test results. You may not need to have any treatment. You may be on isolation while you are in the hospital to prevent the spread of the MRSA germ.
What happens before the procedure?
- There are no special things to do before the test.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking, including over the counter drugs and supplements.
What happens during the procedure?
- It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time.
- The lab technician will use a swab and insert it into your nose. Your nose is the usual site from where the culture comes. Other times, your doctor may rub a swab over your skin or over a sore to do a MRSA test.
- The culture will go into a bottle or tube partly filled with other fluids. This bottle or tube goes to the lab. The lab keeps the bottle or tube in a special setting. Over a day or two, if there are any germs on the swab, the germs will grow and increase. Then, the lab tech will collect some of them and look at them with a microscope. Often, the lab tech adds drugs to see which ones fight the germs best.
- Your doctor may want to have two samples of a culture taken. This may mean a swab from each nostril or a sample from more than one area of skin.
- A blood test may be used to screen for MRSA. A sample of blood will be taken from vein in your arm with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The lab will test your blood for MRSA.
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. � �
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor understand if you carry the MRSA germ. Together you can make a plan for more care. � �
What problems could happen?
- Nose swab:
- Eyes watering
- Sneezing
- Nose is irritated
- Blood test:
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry � �
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/mrsa/tab/test/ � �
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �
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