New test to search for MRSA launched (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

New test to search for MRSA launched

5:32pm Monday 30th March 2009 in News

A new tactic is being added to the armoury of infection control to combat MRSA in local hospitals.

From Wednesday patients booked to go into hospital will have a swab test as part of the pre-operative checks, to find out if MRSA is present on their skin or in their nose.

If MRSA is found it can then be treated before the patient is admitted.

David Thompson, acting director of patient care and partnerships at NHS Yorkshire and Humber, said: “If tests show that MRSA is present, treatment will involve a special body wash and a nasal cream to use for five days.

“MRSA can live harmlessly on skin without causing an infection. Up to five per cent of us will be carrying it on the surface of our skin, or in our nose. It only becomes dangerous when it enters the body through a break in the skin.

“If a patient does test positive for MRSA, it does not mean they are a danger to anyone else. They can continue as normal whilst receiving treatment.”

In the last year, cases of MRSA have fallen by a third across the region, thanks to hand hygiene campaigns and the support of NHS staff, patients and visitors.

“We know that people are extremely concerned about this issue and this new initiative offers us another practical method of infection control that is a welcome addition to all the good work that is already going on across our region,” said Mr Thompson.