MRSA SCREENING (AXILLARY SWAB)

The MRSA Screening (Axillary Swab) is a home-based diagnostic service that detects colonization or presence of Methicillin‑Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the underarm (axillary) area. A trained phlebotomist or technician collects a sterile swab from the axilla, which is then processed by a certified laboratory using culture and/or molecular methods to identify S. aureus and methicillin‑resistance markers.

This test is important for infection prevention and clinical decision-making: identifying carriers helps reduce transmission in households and healthcare settings, guides targeted decolonization or antibiotic therapy, and supports pre-operative risk assessment. The service in Dubai includes secure, lab‑verified reporting and the convenience of sample collection at home, suitable for patients, caregivers, healthcare workers, and those with recurrent skin or soft‑tissue infections.

• Presence of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)
• Detection of Methicillin‑Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
• mecA/mecC gene (methicillin resistance marker)
• Phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility screening

• Before elective surgery or hospital admission to lower infection risk
• If you have recurrent skin or soft‑tissue infections (abscesses, boils)
• When exposed to a confirmed MRSA case at home or workplace
• For healthcare workers or caregivers in clinical settings
• During suspected institutional or household outbreak investigations

• Early identification of MRSA colonization to prevent spread
• Targeted guidance for decolonization and appropriate therapy
• Convenient home sample collection by trained personnel
• Accredited laboratory processing with secure electronic reporting
• Fast turnaround to support clinical decisions and pre‑op planning

• Do not apply deodorant, antiperspirant, creams, or lotions to the axillary area on the day of collection
• Keep the underarm area clean and dry; avoid washing the area for several hours before the swab if instructed
• Inform the technician of current antibiotic use or recent decolonization treatment
• Home collection appointment required; adult or guardian consent must be available at the time of service