Hospital admission MRSA tests to be piloted
A nasal swab test is to be used to identify MRSA infected patients |
Rapid testing of patients on admission to hospital for methicillin resistant Staphylococcus
aureus (MRSA) is to be piloted at two UK sites. However, questions remain over what treatment should be offered on the basis of the results.
The IDI-MRSA test can determine from a nasal swab, within two hours,
whether a patient is a carrier of MRSA. Results of current tests are
not known for two to five days. It is hoped that the quicker results
will improve patient management and reduce the risk of MRSA transmission
in NHS hospitals.The test identifies a unique molecular sequence only
found within MRSA. Half of the sequence originates from the S. aureus chromosome and the other half is within the genetic element carrying
methicillin resistance. It is already in use in the US and Canada.
Jonathan Cooke, director of pharmacy, South Manchester University Hospitals
NHS Trust, and co-chairman of the prescribing sub-group of the Standing
Advisory Committee on Antimicrobial Resistance, pointed out that over
a quarter of the population have MRSA colonisation. “The question
will be what to do with all the patients with positive results,” he
said. The Department of Health commented that management of these patients
will become clearer once the pilots are under way.
The IDI-MRSA test will be piloted at Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham.
According to the BBC, the second pilot site is to be in London.
Correction
The number of people in the community carrying methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in their nose is uncertain and not as stated. |
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