Why Swab Your Nose & Groin? Silent MRSA Carriers in the UK Explained

Why Might I Need a Nose and Groin Swab for MRSA?

Many people in the UK are carriers of MRSA—often without any symptoms at all. You might feel perfectly healthy and still host this antibiotic-resistant bacteria in your nose or groin. This can pose a risk to yourself and those around you, particularly older adults, young children and people with weaker immune systems.

What Does It Mean to be a "Carrier"?

A carrier is someone who has MRSA living on their skin or in their nose/groin but does not have an active infection. People can carry MRSA for days, weeks or even longer. Most UK hospitals will screen high-risk patients as standard, but many people go undiagnosed in the community.

• Carrying MRSA isn’t your fault—it’s common and often hard to notice
• Carriers can accidentally spread MRSA to others, even when feeling well

How Does MRSA Spread?

• By touching contaminated surfaces
• Direct skin contact (e.g., sports, shared towels)
• Injury sites, broken skin, or wounds

MRSA is more common after hospital stays or in communal settings, and is a growing health concern in the UK.

The NHS provides more information on MRSA carriers and risk reduction.

Is There Anything I Can Do Without a Positive Test?

• Wash your hands regularly
• Clean minor cuts with antiseptic and keep them covered
• Wash clothes and bed linen regularly, especially after illness or hospital treatment

These steps help everyone reduce the risk of spreading MRSA in the family, workplace, or community.

How Does Self-Swabbing Work?

Our At-Home MRSA Swab Kit includes:

• Two sterile, purple-lidded Amies swabs
• Easy-to-follow instructions for self-collection of nose and groin samples
• Free return postage
• Fast, confidential results within 2 days

Ready to find out your MRSA status? Order your home test kit now or book an in-clinic test at Mayfield Clinic.