Demonstration of the presence of the mecA gene by PCR.
The test is appropriate for isolates with borderline oxacillin susceptibility to confirm mecA-mediated oxacillin resistance and to differentiate mecA-mediated oxacillin resistance from other mechanisms of oxacillin resistance (for example, hyperproduction of β-lactamase).
Area |
Health Science |
Lab name |
Antibiotic Reference Laboratory |
Lab location |
Kenepuru Science Centre, Porirua |
Test name |
mecA gene PCR |
Organisms |
Staphylococci with borderline oxacillin susceptibility |
Requested for surveillance |
no |
Notice required |
no |
Routine turnaround time |
6 working days for reference specimens |
Sample requirements |
Pure culture |
Media requirements |
A slope of any medium that supports the growth of the organism |
Pre-transport requirements |
Ambient temperature |
Transport requirements |
Ambient temperature |
Unacceptable sample types |
Clinical specimens will not be accepted. |
How results reported |
The results will state whether the mecA gene was detected |
Referral link |