Hi everyone,

Our microbiology lab has begun releasing PBP2a testing results for Staphylococcus aureus blood cultures that flag positive. This result will now appear in the patient chart as part of the initial organism workup under the microbiology tab.

PBP2a (Penicillin-Binding Protein 2a) is a rapid surrogate marker for methicillin resistance and can help us differentiate MRSA (PBP2a positive) from MSSA (PBP2a negative) earlier in the course of infection. At this time, no workflow changes are required. This message is simply to make you aware of the new result appearing in the patient chart. Additional education on interpretation and stewardship considerations will be provided soon. Below you will see how it appears as a preliminary result and as a final result worked into the susceptibility table. 

Preliminary:

Final:

Please feel free to reach out with any questions in the meantime.

Thank you,

Madeline