Detection of methicillin (meticillin)-resistant Staphylococcus aureus 
colonization was assessed using combined nose and groin swabs in two commercial 
PCR assays (the Xpert MRSA assay and the BD GeneOhm MRSA assay). Compared to 
routine culture, both had similar sensitivities (87.0% versus 84.8%, 
respectively) and specificities (93.8% versus 92.7%, respectively). Combined PCR 
assays provide a rapid and more-complete assessment of colonization at a cost 
similar to that of single-site analysis.