Screening for Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

To ensure that all relevant patients are screened for the presence of Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in their nose (and their skin in some circumstances) prior to or on admission, and are given suppressive (decolonisation) treatment where necessary. The aim is to reduce the risk of a patient developing an MRSA infection, or passing MRSA on to others. This guidance is not intended to alter existing good practice, but rather to clarify what constitutes effective screening