Rapid MRSA culture medium
Bioconnections
Chromagar MRSA
A chromogenic culture medium identifies the 'superbug' methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, giving results in 24 hours with 98% sensitivity and 100% specificity
Over recent years, an increasing number of hospitals have beeninfected by methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) -the so-called superbug.
Unfortunately, traditional culture mediacontinue to produce unsatisfactory results in the detection ofMRSA being slow and lacking in sensitivity and specificity.Chromagar MRSA is proving to be a major breakthrough in detectinghospital patients carrying MRSA, says Bioconnections.
Results areobtained within 24 hours, which is a saving of 24 - 48 hours.Evaluations show a sensitivity and specificity close to 100% andthere is a tremendous saving in technician time and additionalreagents.
Evaluations.
1486 swabs from 608 patients in anintensive care unit were tested for MRSA on admission andthereafter on a weekly basis.
The results obtained by culturingon Chromagar MRSA were compared with cultures on blood agar.Plates were read at 24 and 48 hours and suspect colonies wereidentified.
Results showed Chromagar MRSA to be 98%sensitive and100% specific after 24 hours.
Experienced technicians were ableto presumptively identify MRSA (mauve/pink colonies) with nofurther tests.
Confirmatory tests such as catalase, Gram stainand latex agglutination could all be performed directly from themedium.
The product is now in routine use in several UKhospitals.
