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New Data Presented Confirms the Efficacy and Value of Rapid MRSA Detection Test
The recently launched culture based rapid MRSA test demonstrates continued efficiency and reliability in the fight against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus , according to a UK study presented at the Infectious Diseases Society of America 45th annual meeting[1]. The study confirms that the 3M BacLite rapid MRSA test provides consistent, fast and accurate results as the first rapid culture test that can effectively and reliably detect the absence of MRSA in just five hours.
The multi-centre study based on results from three hospitals in the United Kingdom processed 458 nasal and groin MRSA screening swabs using the 3M BacLite rapid MRSA test, a five-hour culture-based test that detects the potentially deadly bacteria direct from clinical specimens. Of the 248 nasal screening swabs analysed, results demonstrated a diagnostic sensitivity of 94.6% and a diagnostic specificity of 96.9%. From the 210 groin swabs, the 3M BacLite rapid MRSA test provided a diagnostic sensitivity of 95.9% and a diagnostic specificity of 88.8%[1].
The results of this study are supported by additional findings presented at the 2007 Institute of Biomedical Science congress (IBMS) that provides further evidence for the reliability of 3M BacLite rapid MRSA test in low prevalence settings[2]. 'We are very excited about these results which represent an important advance in the fight against MRSA,' said Steve O´Hara, microbiologist and lead author of the study. 'These results show that the 3M BacLite rapid MRSA test could be a valuable laboratory tool to help hospitals meet tough government targets and control the spread of MRSA'.
MRSA rates in the UK are among the highest in Europe. Each year, healthcare associated infections contribute to 5000 deaths and cost the NHS around £1 billion[3]. Around 15 per cent (£150 million) could be prevented by better application of good practice[3]. Recent guidelines set by the Department of Health have called for a 50% cut in infections by 2008, a target that is proving difficult to meet. Delays obtaining MRSA screening results have been identified as a major barrier to more effective infection prevention strategies.
The 3M BacLite rapid MRSA test launched earlier this year across Europe is the first rapid culture-based test offering same-day results, providing confirmation of negative results within 5 hours and positive results within 24 hours. Unlike DNA-based tests the 3M BacLite rapid MRSA test does not require a high level of expertise to operate and requires minimal hands-on time, it also has an objective endpoint, which means that the opportunity for error is reduced. Rapid test results should help minimise the disruption and costs associated with antibiotic resistant bacteria like MRSA and most importantly reduce the risk of infection spread to vulnerable patients within healthcare environments.
References:
[1] O´Hara S., Gregory S., Taylor D., Gough A. Foote N. Evaluation of the 3M BacLite Rapid MRSA test for the Direct Detection of MRSA from Nasal and Groin Surveillance Specimens. Poster presented at the Infectious Diseases Society of America 45th Annual meeting, California, USA. 5th October 2007.
[2] Evaluation of the 3M BacLite MRSA test for the Direct Detection of MRSA. Abstract from the proceedings of the Institute of Biomedical Science Congress 2007, Birmingham, UK. 24-26th September 2007.
[3] National Audit Office. Improving Patient Care by Reducing the Risk of Hospital Acquired Infection: a Progress Report. HC876 Session 2003-2004: 14 July 2004, p1.
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Source: 3M Microbiology
Posted: May 26, 2008
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