MRSA strains are a continuing and increasing problem in many hospitals. Colonised and infected patients represent the most important reservoir of MRSA strains in hospitals. MRSA are mainly transmitted by direct person-to-person contact, usually via the hands of health care workers, and through environmental contamination. Screening for MRSA provides a means of identifying patients and staff who may be involved in transmission of the organism.
PLEASE NOTE: Samples and accompanying relevant patient/ isolate data maybe referred for confirmatory or further laboratory testing to Reference laboratories. Relevant Public Health departments may also be notified IF a notifiable disease is identified under the Infectious Diseases Regulations https://www.hpsc.ie/notifiablediseases/listofnotifiablediseases/
