Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA/VISA)
Clinical Specimen Submission Guidance
Submit all specimens to 50 Orms St, Providence RI 02904. Open Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Special Pathogens & Biothreats Laboratory 401-222-5586
Staphylococcus aureus, with a vancomycin susceptibility result of intermediate or resistant
Staphylococcal Infection (VRSA)
Testing to confirm vancomycin resistance is performed at CDC
Isolates will be forwarded to CDC for testing after CDC approval.
For additional information contact the Special Pathogens & Biothreats Laboratory at (401) 222-5586.
Pure isolate (<48 hrs old subculture) received on a slant of appropriate media secured with a screw cap.
Isolates on plated media are acceptable if plates are sealed with parafilm or other appropriate barrier film.
CLIA regulations require specimens be labeled with at least two patient identifiers. Examples of identifiers are first and last name, date of birth, chart/medical record number. The specimen container must be labeled to match the test requisition or the electronic order.
Rhode Island State Health Laboratories (RISHL) test requisition form https://health.ri.gov/forms/LabRequisitionForm.pdf
CDC 50.34 Form is required
Send copy of drug susceptibility results
Bacterial Isolate
Write "VRSA" or "VISA" under Comments/Other test requests
Transport isolates at ambient temperature (15-30°C) as soon a possible after susceptibility testing is completed.
Specimens must be packaged & transported in accordance with current federal shipping regulations.
The following rejection criteria will be used to ensure accurate specimen information and specimen condition for testing:
- Specimen received outside acceptable transport range
- Demographics different of specimen
- Two identifiers required on specimen / Unable to read identifiers on specimen
- Expired/ incorrect collection kit
- Insufficient quantity
- Urine cup received
- No specimen received
- Specimen leaked in transit
- Test not evaluated in adolescents < 14
- No swab received
- Specimen too old
Providers must report patient information on Staphylococcal Infection (Vancomycin Resistant) immediately using the RIDOH reportable disease form.
Testing performed at CDC: 3 weeks
Containers specifically labeled for transport of specimens and isolates to the RISHL Special Pathogens & Biothreats Laboratory are available in all Microbiology Laboratories and Laboratory Send-out Departments.