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MRSA screening
Produced by Bupa's Health Information Team, January 2009.
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How will I be screened for MRSA before entering a hospital for planned treatment?
This video is for adults visiting hospital.
Video transcript
In people who are healthy and have a good immune system, MRSA doesn't normally cause problems. However, in hospital, or similar environments, there is a risk of MRSA getting inside peoples' bodies and causing an infection. That's because people in hospital often have a weakened immune system, for example the elderly, the very young or people who have existing infections.
If you're going into hospital, your doctor may suggest that you're screened for MRSA first to try and prevent outbreaks of infection. Your screening will usually be done at your pre-admission clinic or your pre-admission appointment.
MRSA screening is quick and simple. A swab is taken from your nose, just inside your nostrils. You may also have swabs taken from your armpits and/or your groin. These swabs are then sent to a laboratory for testing.
If you are found to be carrying MRSA on your skin, you'll be treated for it before you're admitted. This involves using an antibiotic cream for your nose three times a day for five days, as well as using cleaning liquids, powders and shampoos for the rest of your body. You'll be tested again a week later to make sure that you've cleared the infection.
This video is intended for general information only. It shows an example of one person's experience, your circumstances may be different so not everything may apply to you. It does not replace the need for personal advice from a medical practitioner.
Further information
- Health Protection Agency
www.hpa.org.uk
- Department of Health
www.dh.gov.uk
This information was published by Bupa's Health Information Team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been reviewed by appropriate medical or clinical professionals. Photos are only for illustrative purposes and do not reflect every presentation of a condition. The content is intended only for general information and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional. For more details on how we produce our content and its sources, visit the About our Health Information page.
Publication date: January 2009