Liofilchem™ MTS™ Vancomycin VA 0.016-256, MIC Test strips

The Liofilchem™ MTS™ Vancomycin MIC Test Strips (VA 0.016-256 µg/mL) are designed for the quantitative determination of the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of vancomycin against Gram-positive bacterial pathogens. These strips are critical tools in detecting vancomycin susceptibility and resistance, especially for organisms like Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE).

Key Features

1. Wide MIC Gradient

• The strips feature a gradient ranging from 0.016 to 256 µg/mL, enabling precise MIC determination for susceptible, intermediate, and resistant bacterial strains.

2. Broad Spectrum Application

• Suitable for testing Gram-positive pathogens, including:
  • Staphylococcus aureus (e.g., MRSA).
  • Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium (e.g., VRE).
  • Other clinically significant Gram-positive organisms.

3. Reliable Detection

• Facilitates early detection of vancomycin-resistant strains, helping guide effective antimicrobial therapy.

4. Compliance

• Conforms to international standards such as CLSI and EUCAST for antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

5. Gradient Diffusion Technology

• Provides precise and reproducible results through a simple and efficient workflow:
  • Place the strip on an inoculated agar plate.
  • Incubate.
  • Read the MIC at the intersection of the bacterial growth inhibition ellipse with the strip.

Specifications

Storage Conditions

Proper storage is crucial to maintain the integrity and efficacy of the MTS™ Vancomycin Test Strips:

1. Long-Term Storage:
   • Store at -20°C or below to preserve the antibiotic gradient and strip performance over the specified shelf life.
   • Avoid frequent freeze-thaw cycles to prevent degradation.
2. Short-Term Storage:
   • For short periods (e.g., a few weeks), strips may be stored at 2–8°C, but this is not recommended for long-term use.
3. Packaging:
   • Strips are supplied in airtight, desiccant-lined packaging to protect against moisture and environmental factors.
   • Always reseal packaging immediately after removing strips to prevent exposure to humidity.
4. Handling:
   • Allow strips to reach room temperature before opening the packaging to avoid condensation.

Applications

1. Clinical Diagnostics

• Quantitative determination of vancomycin MIC for therapeutic guidance.
• Identifies resistance mechanisms, including vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE).

2. Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring

• Tracks trends in vancomycin resistance in healthcare settings.

3. Hospital Infection Control

• Aids in managing outbreaks of multidrug-resistant Gram-positive organisms.

4. Research and Development

• Supports the evaluation of antimicrobial agents in Gram-positive pathogens.

Advantages

1. Accurate and Reproducible:
   • Gradient diffusion technology ensures precise MIC determination.
2. Ease of Use:
   • Simple workflow, compatible with routine laboratory practices.
3. Long Shelf Life:
   • Stable under proper storage conditions, minimizing waste.
4. Broad Applicability:
   • Suitable for clinical and research microbiology.

Why Choose Liofilchem™ MTS™ Vancomycin MIC Test Strips?

The Liofilchem™ MTS™ Vancomycin Test Strips provide reliable, efficient, and accurate results for determining vancomycin MIC values. Their extended gradient range, compatibility with standard testing protocols, and robust storage conditions make them indispensable tools for clinical laboratories, research institutions, and hospitals focused on combating antimicrobial resistance.