An assay for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) rapidly and accurately identifies patients colonized with the superbug. The assay enables infection control measures to be implemented faster to reduce transmission and help prevent infection in vulnerable patients.

The assay was developed by BD Diagnostics (Franklin Lakes, New Jersey), a segment of Becton and Dickerson. Called the BD MAX MRSA assay, it is easy to use and cost effective. It has now been cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA; Silver Spring, MD, USA) for use in the US.

The BD MAX MRSA molecular test in the United States is performed on the fully automated BD MAX system and is designed to identify patients colonized with Staphylococcus aureus rapidly and accurately.

MRSA are nosocomial infections that primarily occur in people who have been in hospitals or other healthcare settings. The antibiotic bacteria can spread among patients or healthcare workers via direct contact with colonized patients and/or hospital surfaces. Early identification of patients colonized with MRSA helps reduce the risk of transmission and infection, and helps to improve patient outcomes. The total cost burden to the US healthcare system from MRSA infections is estimated at more than USD 2.5 billion annually.

The BD MAX MRSA assay is the second test cleared this year by the FDA on the BD MAX System.

Related Links:
BD Diagnostics
US Food and Drug Administration