1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol)
This test measures 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, the biologically active form of vitamin D. It is used to investigate calcium imbalance, kidney disease and...
MRSA Rapid PCR (Nasal)
100.00
The MRSA Rapid PCR (Nasal) test detects MRSA colonisation using molecular testing. It provides fast, reliable results for screening and infection control.
Turnaround time
1-2 days
Biomarkers count
1
Same-Day Appointments
UKAS Accredited Labs
Book your test
Under 18? Patients under 18 can only be seen at GB Medlabs and Clinilabs, Monday to Friday only.
1
Email
2
Service
3
Details
4
Confirm
{{ emailError }}
Choose Service Type
Home visit
Professional phlebotomist comes to you
+ £{{ home_visit_fee }}
In clinic
Visit our clinic for your test
{{ clinic_visit_fee > 0 ? '+ £' + clinic_visit_fee : 'Free' }}
Home Visit Details
{{ homeAddressError }}
Home visits require at least 24 hours notice.
{{ homeTimeError }}
Choose Clinic Option
Select a clinic:
{{ clinic.name }}
{{ clinic.full_address }}
{{ selectedClinic.name }}
{{ selectedClinic.full_address }}
Select a date
{{ timeSlotAlert }}
Select an hour
Available time slots: {{ timeSlots.length}}
{{ slot.preview }}
{{ selectedTime.preview }}
Loading add-ons...
{{ addOnError }}
No recommended add-ons available.
×
{{ addon.name }}
£{{ addon.price }}
{{ addon.excerpt }}
Selected
Selected ({{ selectedAddOns.length }})
£{{ addOnsTotal }}
- {{ sa.name }} £{{ sa.price }}
Included in total above.
Details about MRSA Rapid PCR (Nasal)
What is the MRSA Rapid PCR (Nasal) test?
The MRSA Rapid PCR (Nasal) test uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the DNA of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from a nasal swab. The nose is the most common site where MRSA is carried without causing symptoms.
PCR testing is highly sensitive and can identify MRSA even when present in very small amounts. Compared with traditional culture, PCR provides quicker and more accurate screening results.
This test is designed for colonisation screening, not for diagnosing active infection.
Why do I need an MRSA Rapid PCR (Nasal) test?
MRSA carriage can increase the risk of infection and transmission, especially in healthcare or care environments.
You may need this test if you:
-
Are being admitted to hospital
-
Are scheduled for surgery or an invasive procedure
-
Require pre-admission or pre-employment screening
-
Have a history of MRSA carriage
-
Work in healthcare or residential care
-
Are immunocompromised
-
Need rapid clearance screening
Early detection allows appropriate infection control measures to be put in place.
Benefits of the test
-
Rapid detection
PCR provides faster results than culture methods. -
High sensitivity and specificity
Detects low-level MRSA colonisation. -
Ideal for screening purposes
Widely used in hospital pathways. -
Non-invasive sampling
Simple nasal swab. -
Suitable for asymptomatic individuals
No active infection required. -
Supports infection control
Helps reduce MRSA transmission. -
Reliable pre-procedure screening
Common requirement before surgery. -
Clinically well-established
Standard MRSA screening method.
Step-by-step: How we offer testing
Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)
-
Choose your nearest UK clinic
-
Nasal swab collected by a clinician
-
Sample sent to the laboratory for PCR analysis
-
Results issued once testing is complete
Home or hotel visit (+£60, UK-wide)
-
Nasal swab collected at home or hotel where appropriate
-
Sample securely transported to the laboratory
Your results explained
Negative result
-
MRSA DNA not detected
-
UK standard: Negative
-
No evidence of MRSA nasal colonisation at the time of testing
Positive result
-
MRSA DNA detected
-
UK standard: Positive
-
Indicates MRSA nasal colonisation
Colonisation does not mean active infection but may require infection control measures.
How It Works
Simple steps to get your results
1
Book Online
Choose your test online and book in seconds. Select your preferred clinic location or home visit option.
2
Visit or Test at Home
Attend one of our UK or London clinics, arrange a home nurse visit, or use a finger-prick kit where available.
3
Get Your Results
Your sample is analysed by accredited UK laboratories, with secure results delivered directly to you.
Take control of your health with London Blood Tests
WhatsApp UsHow to Prepare for Your Test
Follow these guidelines for accurate results
Sample Timing
Where possible, attend your blood test between 7am and 12pm. Please wait until any short-term illness or infection has fully resolved before testing. Avoid intense exercise for 24–48 hours beforehand, as this can affect certain markers.
Fasting & Hydration
Fasting is not always required, but some tests may recommend it. If fasting is advised, avoid food for 8–12 hours before your appointment and drink water only. Stay well hydrated, as this helps with sample collection and accuracy.
Medications & Supplements
Continue prescribed medications unless advised otherwise by your clinician. Avoid vitamin, mineral, or biotin supplements for at least 24–48 hours before your test, as these can interfere with results. If you are unsure about any medication or supplement, please let us know before your appointment.
Hormones & Menstrual Cycle
For hormone-related tests, timing within your menstrual cycle may be important. If relevant, follow any specific guidance provided on your test page.
If you have any questions or special circumstances, our team is happy to advise before your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
MRSA DNA present in the nasal passages.
It is for detecting colonisation, not active infection.
The nose is the most common carriage site.
PCR is faster and more sensitive for screening.
Yes, many carriers have no symptoms.
Yes, it is routinely required.
Decolonisation may be recommended depending on setting.
Mild discomfort only; it is quick and safe.
It depends on clinical or institutional policy.
It confirms MRSA colonisation and supports infection control planning.
Similar Products in Blood Testing
Discover more options in this category:
17-Hydroxyprogesterone
This test measures 17-hydroxyprogesterone, a hormone involved in cortisol production. It is used to assess adrenal function and diagnose congenital ad...
5 HIAA
The 5-HIAA (5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid) blood test measures the amount of 5-HIAA, a breakdown product of serotonin, in the bloodstream. Elevated level...
6-Thioguanine Nucleotides
This test measures 6-thioguanine nucleotide levels to monitor thiopurine medications. It helps optimise treatment effectiveness while reducing toxicit...
7 Sexually Transmitted Infections by PCR
This PCR screen detects seven common sexually transmitted infections with high accuracy. It identifies active infections even when symptoms are mild o...