FDA Approved MRSA Test

One component of an effective surveillance and monitoring program is efficient means to test for disease. Cepheid of Sunnyvale, CA received FDA approval for a new rapid testing system with genetic testing capabilities by PCR assessment for MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus).

The new test, Xpert MRSA, runs on Cepheid’s GeneXpert Molecular Diagnostic Platform. The GeneXpert System is a completely automated, self-contained product for molecular analysis and diagnostics.

Test results take just over an hour to process. Patients, thus, can be easily identified who have MRSA, facilitating appropriate antibiotic treatment and procedures to minimize transmission of disease to other patients in the facility.

MRSA is a source of significant concern within the healthcare community; it is the leading cause of hospital acquired infections. In the interest of curbing infections, hospitals are considering implementation of surveillance programs.