Why am I being screened for MRSA?
This leaflet is designed for patients attending outpatient clinics or pre - admission clinics who may be admitted at a later date for an operation or procedure.
If, following discussion with your Consultant, an operation/procedure is planned, you may be offered MRSA screening prior to admission, as part of our ongoing commitment to tackle and reduce infections in our hospitals.
Your surgery may be delayed if you have not been screened before admission.
For more information please see this website https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mrsa/
What is MRSA?
MRSA stands for Meticillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. MRSA are varieties of Staphylococcus aureus that have developed resistance to meticillin (a type of antibiotic) and some other antibiotics that are used to treat infections.
Staphylococcus aureus is a common type of bacteria that is found on the skin and in the nostrils of about a third of healthy people. It can cause infections.
Why am I being screened for MRSA?
Some people carry MRSA on their skin or in their nostrils and are described as being colonised. People are unaware that they carry MRSA because it does not harm them and they have no symptoms.
MRSA can cause harm when it gets an opportunity to enter the body. This is more likely to happen in people who are already unwell or in patients undergoing operations.
It can cause simple local infections such as pimples and boils, or more serious problems such as wound infections, chest infections or bloodstream infections.
We need to be aware of people who are colonised with MRSA in order to ensure the appropriate treatment is given. This is why we screen patients before they come into hospital.
How will I be screened?
At your pre-admission clinic appointment you will be screened. This involves taking a swab from inside of your nose and your groin. The test is painless and only takes a second or two. The results are not immediate as the swabs are processed in the laboratory.
What if I have MRSA?
If you are to have an operation/procedure you may be given treatment to reduce the number of germs on your skin. This consists of special foam to apply to your skin and hair, and a gel for your nose.
If you are at home waiting for your operation you will also be advised to change (and launder) your clothes and bed linen for five days prior to admission, whilst using the foam and nasal gel.
You may be nursed in a single room or with other patients carrying MRSA on their skin. This is to minimise the risk of the bug spreading to other vulnerable patients. This will not affect the care you are given.
Whilst in hospital we would encourage you and your relatives/visitors to use the alcohol hand gel provided to clean your hands.
When will I get my results?
We will notify you by letter if we find out that you are carrying MRSA. This letter will tell you what you need to do next. We will NOT write to you if your screen is negative. If you do NOT hear from us, then you may assume that you do NOT carry MRSA on you skin.
How to find out more?
We have a leaflet available in the hospital that tells you about MRSA. Please ask a member of staff to give you one.
Risks – There is an increased risk of developing an MRSA infection when patients who carry MRSA are admitted to hospital without being screened. This is why we screen.
Benefits – All patients benefit from being screened as appropriate treatment can be given to those found to carry MRSA. This treatment reduces the risk of MRSA infection to the positive patients themselves, and reduces the risk of cross infection to others.
Thank you for your co-operation.
