opportunistic MRSA (testing pre-op)

When I had my RNY surgery in 2008, as part of the pre op process at the hospital everyone was swabbed prior to surgery.  This was done with the EKG and blood work stuff a couple of days in advance.  Not sure if other hospitals do this routinely but I was glad they did it.  Toni

This procedure (the nares swabbing) is done on every patient of ours in the hospital upon admission.  This is used to see if a patient is colonized at the time of admission.  If a pre-surgical patient shows up with a positive nares swab (meaning you are colonized NOT infectious), then you are given Bactroban nasal gel (gooey stuff) and a Chlorhexidine Body Wash for 5 days before surgery.  This is to decrease the chances of having a surgical site infection.  In California, a large majority of hospitals are doing this practice and have been for some time.  Do not worry.  Remember that MRSA (Methcillin Resistant Staph Aureus) is a real "pistol" if it becomes an active infection.  Just so you know how I know this, I am the Director of Infection Control at a local hospital (260 beds) and I have been a nurse for 30 years.  I remember when we did not have MRSA the way we do now.  Good luck to you on your surgery and Happy Healing!!