T102. Direct Detection of MRSA in Clinical Samples
Date: September 29, 2010
Speaker: Udo Reischl

Summary of Session: This teleconference will cover the strategies and experimental protocols for the direct detection of MRSA in clinical specimens. The underlying PCR / NAT concepts and available evaluation data (sensitivity/specificity) from commercial tests and from selected in-house protocols will be discussed.

Objectives: Upon completion of this Teleconference, participants should be able to:

• Estimate the problems associated with MRSA transmission in a hosptial.
• Recognize the potential benefits of implementing MRSA screening regimens.
• Describe the methodical concepts of SCCmec-based assays selectively detecting MRSA.
• Judge the technical limitations of PCR assays with respect to strain coverage (inclusivity) and analytical sensitivity.
• Estimate the workload associated with individual PCR-based MRSA assay concepts.
• Define the technical prerequisites when implementing such an assay in the laboratory.
• Interpret the corresponding results and their validity correctly.
• Explain the reasons for potentially false-negaitve or false-positive results.

Intended Audience: This teleconference is intended for Clinical microbiologists and virologists, epidemiologists, infection control and hygienists, clinicians interested in nosocomial infections.

CME Disclosures: The Presenter has nothing to disclose.

Termination of CME Credit: This program will not be eligible for CME credit after September 29, 2011