MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a type of staph infection that can spread through skin contact. This is a bacterium found on the skin that does not normally cause problems, but in some cases it can develop into a serious infection. When MRSA is thought to be the cause of an infection, tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis. Read on to learn more about how to take the MRSA test.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Part One: Knowing When to Take the Test
Step 1. Recognize any symptoms of MRSA infection
If you have a cut on your skin that doesn't heal properly, MRSA could be the cause. This infection does not necessarily show different signs than other infections. Its features are listed here:
- A red, sore bump that looks like a spider bite.
- A swollen, pus-filled cut.
- A fluid-filled boil with a honey-colored crust.
- A hard, red area of skin that is hot or hot to the touch.
Step 2. Take the test if you have had contact with someone who has contracted the infection
Since MRSA is spread by contact, it is wise to get tested if you have touched an infected person.
Step 3. Get tested if your immune system is compromised
Especially the elderly, those who are infected with HIV or those with cancer.
Method 2 of 3: Part Two: Taking the Test
Step 1. Take a sample
A doctor swabs the wound and then does a culture. This is taken to a laboratory for further analysis. The laboratory puts the culture in a solution and examines it. If the sample contains Gram-positive cocci strains, infection is probably present.
- The sample is also tested for Staphylococcus aureus. This is done with a latex agglutination test. The sample is placed in a tube that contains rabbit plasma and coagulates freely. If staph is present, a spot will form and further tests will be needed to determine if the bacterium is resistant to antibiotics.
- If the infection is present, it will continue to grow in the sample at the same rate, despite the medicine. This process only takes a day or two.
Step 2. Take a nasal swab. A sterile swab is used to take a sample from the nostrils which is then incubated and observed for MRSA
The laboratory process is similar to what is conducted for a wound. There will be a reply within 48 hours.
Step 3. Take a blood test
In the United States, the FDA recently developed a new blood test for MRSA. Clinical tests have been carried out which have reported excellent results, since all positive samples for MRSA bacteria have been identified; moreover, the result is obtained in a much faster time than with swabs. These tests are intended for those people who may have a staph infection, but need to be verified by other tests.
Method 3 of 3: Part Three: Treating the Infection
Step 1. Take the antibiotics prescribed for you
If you have an infection, your doctor will likely prescribe them for you. Follow the full cycle, even if symptoms improve rapidly. If symptoms don't go away, contact your doctor.
Step 2. Avoid spreading the infection to others
If you have MRSA, you should avoid touching other people. Wash your hands often, especially before eating or cooking, before and after using the bathroom, and before and after getting dressed. These attentions prevent spreading the disease to other people.
- Regularly clean the surfaces you touch, such as computer keyboards and electronic components.
- The infection does not spread through the air.
Advice
- It is important to recognize the symptoms and see a doctor immediately. Often the infection appears as a red pimple or a red spider bite with loss of pus.
- When you come into contact with a person with MRSA, it can be helpful to avoid infection by taking extra precautions and washing your hands many times a day, especially when sharing items such as gym equipment.
- Since it can take a few days to get the diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic that should be taken regularly until results are available.
- When you swab a wound that you think may contain MRSA bacteria, you must not irritate it as you could spread the bacteria.
Warnings
- MRSA can be eliminated like a normal staph infection, but it is important to get tested.
- MRSA can be an extremely dangerous condition. It is essential to speak to a doctor if you are concerned that you have contracted it, so that tests can be done.
- It may take several tests to get a definitive diagnosis.
- Some people are healthy carriers of MRSA. This means that the person is not sick but can spread the infection to others.
