Liofilchem™ MTS™ Cefuroxime CXM 0.016-256, MIC Test strips

The Liofilchem™ MTS™ Cefuroxime (CXM) 0.016–256 μg/mL MIC Test Strips are specialized tools designed to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of cefuroxime against various microorganisms. These strips are integral in assessing microbial susceptibility, guiding effective antimicrobial therapy, and monitoring resistance patterns.

Product Overview:

• Antibiotic: Cefuroxime (CXM)
• Concentration Range: 0.016 to 256 μg/mL
• Format: Gradient-impregnated paper strips
• Purpose: Quantitative determination of MIC for cefuroxime

Test Procedure:

1. Inoculum Preparation:
   • Select well-isolated colonies from an overnight culture.
   • Suspend the colonies in sterile saline or broth to achieve a turbidity equivalent to a 0.5 McFarland standard.
2. Inoculation of Agar Plate:
   • Dip a sterile swab into the prepared inoculum suspension.
   • Remove excess liquid by pressing the swab against the tube wall.
   • Evenly streak the swab over the entire surface of a Mueller-Hinton agar plate to ensure a uniform lawn of growth.
3. Application of MTS™ Strip:
   • Allow the inoculated plate to dry for approximately 15 minutes at room temperature.
   • Using sterile forceps, place the MTS™ Cefuroxime strip onto the agar surface with the concentration scale facing upward.
   • Ensure complete contact between the strip and the agar surface; do not reposition once applied.
4. Incubation:
   • Incubate the plate in an inverted position at 35 ± 2°C for 16–20 hours under ambient atmospheric conditions.
5. Reading and Interpretation:
   • After incubation, observe the plate for an elliptical zone of inhibition around the strip.
   • Determine the MIC by identifying the point on the scale where the edge of the inhibition ellipse intersects the strip.
   • Interpret the MIC value using established clinical breakpoints from CLSI or EUCAST guidelines.

Clinical Significance:

Cefuroxime is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic effective against a broad range of bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and urinary tract infections. Determining the MIC of cefuroxime is crucial for:

• Guiding appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
• Monitoring emerging resistance patterns.
• Ensuring optimal patient outcomes.

Regulatory Data:

The Liofilchem™ MTS™ Cefuroxime strips are manufactured in compliance with international standards for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. They align with guidelines from:

• Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI): Provides standardized methods and interpretive criteria for antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST): Offers guidelines and breakpoints for interpreting MIC results.

Comparison with Other Brands:

Several manufacturers offer MIC test strips for cefuroxime, including bioMérieux's ETEST® and HiMedia's HiComb MIC Test Strips. Below is a comparative overview:

Advantages of Liofilchem™ MTS™ Cefuroxime Strips:

• Material Quality: Made of high-quality paper, which may offer better adherence to the agar surface compared to plastic strips, potentially leading to more accurate results.
• Packaging Flexibility: Available in various pack sizes (10, 30, or 100 strips), allowing laboratories to choose quantities that best fit their testing frequency and budget.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Generally more affordable than some competitors, making them a cost-effective choice for routine laboratory use.
• Wide Range of Antimicrobials: Liofilchem offers a broad spectrum of MIC test strips for over 150 antimicrobial agents, providing comprehensive testing options.

In summary, Liofilchem™ MTS™ Cefuroxime MIC Test Strips provide a reliable, flexible, and cost-effective solution for determining the MIC of cefuroxime, with advantages in material quality and packaging options over some competitors.