MDRO Screens

A continuing rise in multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) in New Zealand has led to increased demand for MDRO screens, particularly with the recent emergence of CPEs. MDRO screens include screening for one or more of the following:

• Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
• Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)
• Vancomycin resistant Enterococci (VRE)
• Carbapenemase producing Enterobacterales (CPE)

MRSA, ESBL, VRE, and CPE screens from the community are not funded, with the exception of MRSA screens for clinical reasons, e.g. nasal carriage because of recurrent skin infections (this does not include MRSA contact screening). As all other MDRO screens are not covered by the current funding contracts, patients will be required to pay for these screens.

In the case of private hospital patients within this region (Waikato, BOP, Lakes), the patient will be charged unless the laboratory form clearly indicates to charge the request back to the hospital.

MDRO screen requests from the following cohorts are patient paid tests:

• Private hospitals outside this region,
• GP and other community providers including rest-homes,
• Employment, pre-employment, travel, or no clear indication of requester.

These will be charged at the time of specimen collection or invoiced if collected at a site other than Pathlab Patient Services rooms.

If you have any queries regarding this, please do not hesitate to contact us.