Nasal swab screening for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus--how well does it perform? A cross-sectional study.

Objective: To determine the proportion of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) detections identified by nasal swabbing using agar culture in comparison with multiple body site testing using agar and nutrient broth culture.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Patients: Adult patients admitted to 36 general specialty wards of 2 large hospitals in Scotland.