? Hip Replacement pre-surgical nasal swab staph testing mandatory or not?

AnyaK · ‎06-21-2023

After going through many steps to see if I needed hip replacement, I finally was given a surgery date. But then they shoved a piece of paper in front of me for more requirements before surgery. One thing was a nasal swab, citing this was necessary to prevent possible staff infection entering into the surgical site. I decided to limp away and declined surgery because of this. So I am wondering if anyone knows if this is standard procedure, or is this just in Maryland where I live.

Terrywu · ‎05-09-2010

Had hip replacement in 2021 and yes a had the procedure done prior to surgery. I am in a suburb of Chicago.

kaemarie · ‎03-29-2012

Very Common. I don't understand why it freaked you out.

Sassealassea · ‎11-30-2010

Most reputable hospitals and ASCs will screen patients for MRSA (serious staph infection). I knew someone who had a hip replaced only to develop a infection. The implant had to be removed and he was flat on his back in a hospital recovering the sepsis. Only then, weeks later were they able to reimplant his joint. If I were you, I'd comply with the request to screen for MRSA and follow thru with the procedure. You may wish to Google MRSA. Good luck if you decide to have surgery.

Tulip fan · ‎03-31-2014

This is a reply to Anyak: A nasal swab is standard procedure before any joint replacement surgery. I am a retired RN and I had a knee replacement 6 years ago and my husband had one 5 years ago. If there are any staphlococcus organisms present in the body, the staph can cause infection and warrant removal of the prothetic joint while IV antibiotics are administered until the infection has cleared. Then, a new prosthetic can be placed. A simple nasal swab can prevent experiencing a unnecessary infection and maybe a second surgery.

PinkyPetunia · ‎03-09-2010

Some people are carriers of staph bacteria and it harbors in the nose. I am one of these people. No big deal.

I am confused as to why you refused the nasal swab as it seems so insignificant a thing to do, at least in my view. It seems like your healthcare professionals are observing every possible caution.

Please don't let this hold you back from necessary surgery.

geezerette · ‎03-16-2010

Perhaps it wasn't fully explained why this simple test is necessary and even advantageous.

LUV 2 SHOP · ‎10-04-2010

This is a routine pre surgery procedure

I live in NC, and have had a total of 5 total joint replacements over the last 15 years. Each time as part of the pre-surgery procedures I was required to test for staph. It is important to not have a staph infection when you have surgery. Staph can be deadly if untreated. My first joint replacement was a hip. I have osteoarthritis and my hip was so compromised it was 1/2" from rupturing my bladder.

Good luck with your decision, whatever it is.

PS. I'm from Maryland and my friends experienced the same pre-surgery tests you were given. .

Katabalu · ‎01-11-2022

I had a hip replacement done exactly a year ago, October 2022, in a St Louis suburb, never heard of this, only had regular pre-op with EKG, blood work, prior laundry and showers with Hibiclens soap.

But, my surgeon is totally paranoid about implant infection for 2 years AFTER surgery.

Thus, I have to take antibiotics one hour before any dental procedures, even a cleaning.

Maybe nasal swab was done during anesthesia? Infection is a real threat.

Wishing you the best, do not wait until you are bone on bone, it is quite painful.

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

A nasal swab before hip or knee replacement is common. This reduces the chance of getting MERSA about 70%.

My cousin got MERSA after his second knee surgery. It ended up in both knees. His implants had to be removed and he was in a wheelchair for months with no knee joints.

He was always a big guy...about 6'2" 250 lbs. He lost so much weight and looked terrible.

Then both implants had to be put in again. He now uses a walker and is in pain 24/7.

Another cousin's daughter is a nurse, she got MERSA at the hospital where she works through a small cut. It was one awful, scary situation. My cousin who is a nurse had to take care of her for months. A wound vac was involved.

I had my knee replaced last December. There was a nasal swab, showers with a strong prescribed soap, changing bed sheets every night and using a clean wash cloth and towel every time.

Did I follow instructions? You bet I did.

MERSA is nothing to play with. Why would you refuse?

If you walked away because of a nasal swab, then you aren't in enough pain from your hip ....yet.

Read about MERSA. You don't want to get it.