New MRSA Molecular Assay Simplifies Active Surveillance Testing

BD Diagnostics, a segment of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), today announced that the new BD MAX™ MRSA molecular test has received a Moderate Complexity rating under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA '88).

Performed on the fully-automated BD MAX™ System, the assay is designed to rapidly and accurately identify patients colonized with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). A Moderate Complexity rating allows the BD MAX MRSA assay to be performed by a qualified laboratory technician.

"The BD MAX MRSA assay enables efficient use of labor in the laboratory," said Tom Polen, President, BD Diagnostics – Diagnostic Systems. "Healthcare institutions can now simplify and optimize their MRSA active surveillance testing in less than a minute of hands-on time per specimen with true walk-away automation."

According to a recent national survey conducted by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, more than three quarters of healthcare facilities in the United States now conduct active surveillance testing to detect patients colonized with MRSA. Active detection and isolation of MRSA-colonized patients have been shown to help prevent transmission and reduce the rate of MRSA infections in hospitals. Rapid detection with molecular methods helps decrease unneeded preemptive isolation and shortens the time that patients are not properly isolated.

Earlier this year, the BD MAX™ GBS assay for Group B Streptococcus received a Moderate Complexity rating. The BD MAX MRSA is the next assay to receive a Moderate Complexity rating. "This latest achievement further emphasizes our commitment to deliver a broad menu of molecular tests with a simplified, standardized workflow to help laboratories better meet the needs of healthcare providers," said Polen.