Choose Spectra™ MRSA for a Fast, Accurate Surveillance Tool

Thermo Scientific Spectra™ MRSA chromogenic medium detects MRSA from positive blood cultures and nasal specimens in just 24 hours

MRSA costs U.S. hospitals $3.2 - $4.2 billion annually, and patients with MRSA spend up to 10 days longer in the hospital than those with methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infections.² Once colonized with MRSA, 30-50% of patients become infected.³, ⁴ Bloodstream infections with MRSA can cause significant morbidity and mortality and can have considerable impact on healthcare-related costs.

To aggressively address the rising MRSA epidemic, healthcare facilities need a reliable partner that can respond efficiently and economically to the challenge. Thermo Fisher Scientific offers Spectra™ MRSA for effective MRSA screening. This selective chromogenic medium is intended for use in the detection of nasal colonization of MRSA and MRSA from positive blood cultures demonstrating Gram-positive cocci on Gram stain.

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.

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 allow patient testing to continue 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

** For Thermo Scientific chromogenic MRSA screening media available in other regions, please click here (oxoidhai.com/mrsa)

References
1. Jarvis, W.R., et. al. American Journal of Infection Control; 2007; 35(10):631-37.
2. U.S. Outcomes Research Group of Pfizer Inc. Presented at the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics Outcome Research Meeting; 2005.
3. Hall, G., and D. Flayhart. Infection Control Today; February 2006.
4. Klevens, R.M., et. al. Clinical Infectious Disease; 2006; 42:389-91.