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"Reader Question: I&amp;#039;ve heard there is now a new, quick test to check for MRSA. How accurate is it and where is it available? MRSA is a nasty bug that causes skin infections and is resistant to many existing antibiotics (it stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). To get a diagnosis, doctors used to do a culture that would take a few days to grow, so patients would have to wait several days to find out if they had MRSA or not. Now there are some rapid blood tests that provide results in just a few hours\u2014which means you can get a diagnosis faster and start proper treatment more quickly. Several companies are making these tests, which should be available right now or very soon. They may be a little pricier initially, but considering how serious MRSA is, the time saved could also save lives. Unfortunately, you probably won&amp;#039;t be able to get these performed at your doctor&amp;#039;s office, because the tests are classified as &amp;quot;moderately complex.&amp;quot; If your doctor wants you to get a rapid test, she&amp;#039;ll send you to a specific commercial lab or hospital in your area that offers it. I want to hear from you, so e-mail me your questions at dailywd@womansday.com.  Disclaimer: Your seeking information on health related topics and/or Sandra Adamson Fryhofer, MD&amp;#039;s providing such information herein constitutes neither the solicitation of nor the provision of medical advice, services, care or treatment. Communication with Dr. Fryhofer on this website does not create a doctor/patient relationship. For concerns about your own particular medical condition, you should consult your own medical professional, who can examine and evaluate you. Communication on a website is not a substitute for taking an active role in your own medical care and treatment and being personally seen by a physician of choice in your area.  "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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