Home health screening for MRSA

The Blue Horizon Medicals MRSA Home Screening Test Kit contains instructions and swab equipment which is returned direct to a laboratory for test results within a few days.

The Meticillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria (MRSA) is commonly found on human skin and mucus. It can cause disease particularly if there is an opportunity for the bacteria to enter the body. Many people who are carriers of MRSA (about 30 per cent of the general population according to The Department of Health) do not go on to develop an infection, but they are at risk and could infect others by passing bacteria that is on their hands or infected equipment.

MRSA carriers can find the bacteria in their nose and on their skin, particularly in folds under the armpit or around the groin. People most at risk from MRSA are those who have certain long term health problems, chronic skin conditions, for example eczema, or open wounds and those aged 75 years and over are also at risk. Common symptoms of an MRSA skin infection can include boils and abscesses as well as minor cuts and abrasions that have become red, sore and discharge pus.

MRSA skin infections can occur anywhere, particularly in confined environments where there is a high concentration of people. Hospitals are frequently attributed as the main cause for contracting the infection often as a result of contaminated surfaces and lack of cleanliness, but the numbers of reported cases are falling.

Blue Horizon Medicals is owned by registered health care professionals, including doctors and nurses, who have extensive experience in health screening. They aim to deliver a comprehensive private health check service to people throughout the UK. The MRSA Home Screening Test Kit is a new service from Blue Horizon Medicals which provides a simple, quick and effective way to privately test for MRSA, empowering people with knowledge so that appropriate action can be taken. Once tested by the laboratory they will receive an MRSA status certificate. If the test is positive for MRSA, the person can then discuss the issue with their local health care team.

All NHS hospital patients usually tend to be screened for MRSA before or on admission, however it is policy within some trusts not to screen patients upon leaving unless it is specifically requested, and patients who will be recuperating at home may have their recovery slowed due to a MRSA infection. Additionally, friends or relatives of a hospital patient may be carriers or concerned about contracting it whilst visiting them. Using the home test kit, which can also be used on surfaces such as door handles, provides an effective way to control and reduce the chance of spreading the infection.

The Blue Horizon Medicals MRSA Home Screening Test Kit is priced at £26.45 including postage and packaging.

Blue Horizon Medicals is a subsidiary of Harley Street Health Checks UK (HSHCUK) and is owned by registered health care professionals who have extensive experience in health screening.

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