Evaluation of a New Collection and Enrichment Swab Device for Direct Testing in Accordance with Dutch Guideline on the Laboratory Detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

MRSA recovery was evaluated using SIGMA-TSB™ with 6.5% NaCl as a combined transport and enrichment system. The device selectively enriched Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA) while inhibiting E. coli, with consistent performance across foam and PurFlock® swabs. Enrichment at 37°C improved detectable MRSA levels, and PCR confirmation (BD Max™) showed no false positives or negatives. Overall, SIGMA-TSB™ supported effective MRSA enrichment and reliable PCR/culture detection in line with Dutch guideline requirements.