Spectra MRSA gets FDA Clearance for Positive Blood Cultures

Spectra MRSA is now available to detect MRSA bloodstream infections 24 hours faster than traditional methods, allowing for more targeted antibiotic therapy and improved patient outcomes.

Thermo Fisher Scientific has received FDA clearance of additional claims for Spectra™ MRSA, a test designed to screen for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Spectra MRSA is now available for the qualitative detection of MRSA from positive blood cultures demonstrating Gram-positive cocci on Gram stain.

Bloodstream infections with MRSA can cause significant morbidity and mortality, resulting in considerable healthcare-related costs. The ability to rapidly differentiate MRSA is critical as it affects decisions on a patient's antibiotic therapy and treatment regimen. Early recognition of MRSA bloodstream infections is important for patient management and infection control. Spectra MRSA can detect MRSA bloodstream infection 24 hours faster than traditional methods, allowing more targeted antibiotic therapy to improve patient outcomes. It offers flexibility for detection of MRSA in all commercial blood culture systems.

'The need for more aggressive prevention measures to quickly identify and stop the spread of MRSA is critical to reduce healthcare-associated infections in clinical settings, and hospitals need cost-effective solutions for improving patient outcomes,' said Mary Jo Deal, vice president and general manager of Thermo Fisher Scientific, Microbiology Americas. 'Spectra MRSA is the first and only chromogenic media to offer results in 24 hours for both active surveillance of MRSA and detection of MRSA from positive blood cultures, resulting in a simple, economical solution that easily fits into routine laboratory testing procedures.'

Spectra MRSA is a ready-to-use, labor-saving test that can be easily adopted in healthcare facilities to aid in appropriate patient management. The test medium is easy to read, with MRSA appearing as distinctive denim blue colonies on a white background. Its use can help to simplify MRSA screening and testing and allow patient testing to continue 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

To learn more about Spectra MRSA, visit www.remel.com/hai