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EndemicMOL · MolecularMECAAntimicrobial resistance pack
mecA (MRSA marker)
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Last reviewed 2026-08-13
Public health significance
A resistance marker without the organism is half a result.
Specimen types
Isolate or screening swab
Method
NAA
CLIA / validation
High complexity. Intended use (infection vs colonization screen) belongs in the SOP.
Interpretation
Detected / Not detected. Pair with S. aureus identification.
Reflex / referral
Outbreak typing when epidemiology asks.
Quality control
mecA-positive and mecA-negative S. aureus.
Reportability
Clusters may be reportable. Follow the state HAI program.
HL7 / ELR
LOINC 48813-0 family plus organism SNOMED 115329001 when MRSA is identified.
Sources
CDC AR Isolate Bank; CLSI AST context.