Evaluation of New Collection and Enrichment Device for MRSA

SIGMA-TSB™ with 6.5% NaCl is a swab-based collection and enrichment device designed to support MRSA screening by combining specimen collection and selective enrichment within a single system. This study evaluated its ability to enrich Staphylococcus aureus strains, including MRSA and MSSA, and assessed compatibility with the BD Max™ real-time PCR platform. Swabs inoculated with MRSA, MSSA, and Escherichia coli (inhibition control) were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours and evaluated by culture, while MRSA-enriched specimens were analysed by PCR at 0 and 24 hours. All S. aureus strains demonstrated substantial enrichment following incubation, and MRSA strains were correctly identified by the BD Max™ system, confirming compatibility with molecular testing. Performance was comparable between foam and PurFlock® swab formats. These findings demonstrate that SIGMA-TSB™ with 6.5% NaCl effectively enriches MRSA and MSSA while supporting downstream molecular detection, providing a streamlined workflow that eliminates the need for a separate subculture step.