Two-hour MRSA blood test approved

FDA News

On January 2, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a two-hour staph blood test, which can detect 100% of dangerous specimens and 98% of more commonplace bacteria.

The test, Becton Dickinson's BD GeneOhm StaphSR Assay, is designed to test for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Previous tests could take days to deliver results. BD has also submitted paperwork for tests based on nasal swabs and wound claims.

The panel tests for 12 viruses and viral subtypes, including influenza A, human metapneumovirus, and adenovirus. The test is currently available.