Screening for MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 2, 2025.

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What do I need to know about screening for MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)?

Screening means you are checked for MRSA bacteria even if you do not have signs or symptoms. You can be a carrier of MRSA bacteria and not have symptoms. This means you do not have an active infection, but the bacteria are present on or in your body. The bacteria may spread to other parts of your body or to other people.

What do I need to know about MRSA?

MRSA is a strain of staph bacteria that can cause infection. Usually, antibiotics are used to kill bacteria. MRSA bacteria are resistant to the common antibiotics used to treat Staph infections. This makes MRSA hard to treat. MRSA most commonly causes a skin or soft tissue infection. Bacteria may get into your skin or soft tissue through a cut, sore, or incision. MRSA may spread to your blood, lungs, heart, and bone.

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What increases my risk for MRSA?

• A weakened immune system caused by conditions such as HIV, cancer, or diabetes
• Touching the infected skin of someone who has MRSA
• Living in a long-term care facility or the same household as someone with MRSA
• History of MRSA infection
• A chronic wound or use of a medical device such as a urinary catheter
• Use of personal items such as towels, razors, or clothes of someone with MRSA
• Touching an item such as a doorknob that has MRSA bacteria on it
• Being in crowded places where germs can be spread, such as hospitals, daycare facilities, or locker rooms
• Injecting illegal drugs
• Taking antibiotics often, stopping antibiotics before all doses are taken, or missing doses of antibiotics

How is screening for MRSA done?

A healthcare provider will swab the inside of your nose or an area of your skin. The swab will be sent to a lab and tested for MRSA bacteria. Screening may be done before you are admitted to the hospital or if you are transferred to another facility. Screening may also be done before you have surgery. If you are found to be a carrier of MRSA, you may be given antibiotics to prevent an infection.

What are the risks of MRSA screening?

• A false-negative result can happen. The result can delay treatment because no MRSA bacteria were found. It may cause you to not seek treatment even when you have symptoms.
• A false-positive result can happen. This result can cause you to have more tests or receive treatment that is not needed. It can also cause you to be put in isolation if you are admitted to the hospital. This means you may be placed in a private room. Healthcare providers will wear gowns and gloves when they come into your room. Your visitors may also be asked to wear a gown and gloves.

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