Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Detection of Methicillin-Resistant<i>Staphylococcus aureus:</i>Impact on Nosocomial Transmission and Costs

Abstract

Detection of MRSA by the PCR assay evaluated in this study was more costly than detection by culture for reducing MRSA transmission in our hospital. The cost benefit of screening by PCR varies according to incidences of MRSA colonization and infection, the predictive values of the assay used, and rates of compliance with infection control measures.