Combined use of the BinaxNOW Staphylococcus aureus test with the Clearview PBP2a assay for the early detection of methicillin-resistant S. aureus from positive blood cultures.

The use of combination 2 novel immunochromatographic assays for same-day detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from positive blood cultures was evaluated. Compared to the standard culture methods, the BinaxNOW® S. aureus test demonstrated 98.7% sensitivity and 100% specificity in correctly identifying S. aureus. The sensitivity and specificity of the Clearview® PBP2a assay in differentiating MRSA from methicillin-susceptible S. aureus were 97.1% and 100%.