Change to Nasal MRSA PCR testing starts Nov. 2

Affects patients younger than 22

To remain compliant with FDA clearance requirements for Nasal MRSA PCR testing, Salem Health Laboratories will no longer accept specimens for Nasal MRSA PCR for patients younger than 22.

Starting Monday, Nov. 2, there will be a hard stop in Epic preventing order placement for Nasal MRSA PCR on patients younger than 22.

Test affected:

MRSA/SA (Nasal) by NAA; EPIC Test Code: LAB7081

Summary of changes:

Previously, Salem Health Laboratories performed MRSA screening without age restrictions on specimens using Nasal MRSA PCR. Recently, we learned the test is not FDA-cleared for use in patients younger than 22. In the future, patients younger than 22 who need MRSA testing can be screened with Surveillance Culture, MRSA (Nasal); EPIC Test Code: LAB7056.

This change is expected to have minimal impact. Over the past year, less than 1% of all MRSA tests performed would have been affected by this age restriction.

To see a list of tests performed at Salem Health Laboratories, including test schedule and turnaround time, click here.

Questions? Call Client Services at 503-814-LABS (5227).