Liofilchem® Chromatic™ ESBL Supplement, 10 x 10 mL

Liofilchem® Chromatic™ ESBL Supplement is a selective lyophilized additive designed for the preparation of Chromatic™ ESBL Agar Base (Ref. 610629 / 620629). The complete medium enables rapid detection and differentiation of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL)–producing Enterobacteriaceae directly from clinical specimens.

The supplement promotes optimal recovery of ESBL-producing strains while inhibiting susceptible organisms and non-Enterobacteriaceae flora. This allows for accurate and efficient identification of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and other clinically significant Gram-negative bacteria.

The system complies with EUCAST and CLSI guidelines for resistance mechanism detection and is ideal for use in clinical, hospital, and surveillance microbiology laboratories.

Key Features

• Selective supplement for recovery of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae.
• Used with Chromatic™ ESBL Agar Base (Ref. 610629 / 620629).
• Distinct colony colors for E. coli (reddish) and Klebsiella spp. (green-blue).
• Inhibits carbapenem-susceptible and non-target organisms.
• Ready-to-use lyophilized format—fast reconstitution, consistent performance.
• Each vial sufficient for 500 mL of medium.
• EUCAST-validated for β-lactamase resistance mechanism detection.
• Suitable for clinical, diagnostic, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance.

Composition

Principle of the Method

Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases (ESBLs) are enzymes that confer resistance to most β-lactam antibiotics, including penicillins and cephalosporins. The Chromatic™ ESBL Supplement provides a selective environment that allows growth of ESBL-producing bacteria while suppressing susceptible and unrelated organisms.

When incorporated into Chromatic™ ESBL Agar Base, this supplement allows the chromogenic differentiation of resistant isolates based on enzyme activity and color expression:

• E. coli (ESBL-positive) → Reddish colonies
• Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-positive) → Green-blue colonies

Preparation and Use

1. Aseptically reconstitute one vial of Chromatic™ ESBL Supplement with 5 mL of sterile distilled water.
2. Mix until fully dissolved.
3. Add the entire content to 500 mL of autoclaved Chromatic™ ESBL Agar Base, cooled to 45–50°C.
4. Mix thoroughly and pour into sterile Petri dishes.

Quality Control

Incubation: 35 ± 2°C for 18–24 h (aerobic).

Appearance: Whitish lyophilized button; clear solution after reconstitution.

Storage and Stability

• Store at 2–8°C, protected from light and humidity.
• Stable during transport at 18–25°C for 4 days or at 35–39°C for 48 hours.
• Shelf life: 4 years (as indicated on the label).
• Discard if contamination or deterioration is observed.

Safety and Handling

• For in vitro diagnostic use only.
• Handle under biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) conditions.
• Use by trained laboratory professionals only.
• Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for safe handling information.
• Dispose of materials according to local biosafety and waste management regulations.

Ordering Information

Liofilchem® Chromatic™ ESBL Supplement, when combined with Chromatic™ ESBL Agar Base, provides a selective and chromogenic solution for detecting and differentiating Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL)–producing Enterobacteriaceae. The medium’s precision and color-based identification system make it an essential tool for clinical microbiology laboratories, infection control programs, and AMR surveillance networks worldwide.