MRSA screening by nose and skin swabs, is a routine test performed on patients either before or on admission to hospital. MRSA (methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus) is a bacteria which may be present on the skin and in the nostrils of healthy people, causing no signs, symptoms or infection. These people can be described as being colonised with MRSA. Undergoing procedures or surgery may give an opportunity for the bacteria on the skin to enter the body, and cause infections. MRSA infection may be difficult to treat, as the bacteria are resistant to many commonly used antibiotics. It is important to screen patients, so that if MRSA is present they can be decolonised to reduce the risk of themselves contracting an infection with MRSA, and to prevent the spread of the bacteria to other patients. /n /n Once you have watched this video, why not attempt the multiple choice quiz to test your knowledge?