MRSA screening

[EJSRN, BSN, RN]

I have been reading So much about MRSA on here I confused myself! If you have a wound that is positive for MRSA how is it that the nasal swab is positive? What would be the point of culturing the wound if they nasal swab would indicate MRSA or not. So if you have a positive nasal swab this means you have an active MRSA infection and need antibiotic therapy?? I really hope I can get this straightened out in my mind. PLEASE help! thanks!

[Music in My Heart]

If you have a wound that is positive for MRSA how is it that the nasal swab is positive?

The nasal swab is not necessarily positive. A person can be colonized but free of active infection. Likewise, a person who is not colonized can develop an active infection by picking up the nasties from a vector (unwashed hands, contaminated scrubs, 'scopes, etc).

What would be the point of culturing the wound if they nasal swab would indicate MRSA or not?

Your premise is false. However, the wound is cultured in order to determine if an infection is present and, if so, what the microorganism is.

So if you have a positive nasal swab this means you have an active MRSA infection and need antibiotic therapy??

No, it simply means that you're colonized and that your immune system is keeping the little buggers in check.

[RN12345656]

Of note...Medicare will no longer pay for hospital acquired MRSA infections. That is why most hospitals/facilities now are screening patients on admission