New MRSA culture media brings better results

(Aotea News, November 2010)

Better sample isolation and faster turnaround times for some MethicillinResistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) samples are expected following our switch to Oxoid ‘Brilliance’ agar as our microbiology culture media.

Oxoid ‘Brilliance’ agar uses chromogenic technology to select and differentiate for MRSA. It reduces turnaround times for negative samples by up to 24 hours.

MRSA swab collection

For pre-employment MRSA swabbing or similar, it is suggested that medical staff take patient swabs. Where swabs are to be self-collected, please observe the patient to ensure samples are taken.

Sampling adequacy checks discontinued

Please note that we no longer check the sampling adequacy as statistics show we have a high level of compliance.