Liofilchem® Penicillin G 1+ Clavulanic acid 10 PC Antimicrobial Susceptibility Discs, 10 µg

Liofilchem® Penicillin G 1+ Clavulanic Acid 10 PC Antimicrobial Susceptibility Discs, 10 µg, are specialized antibiotic testing discs used to determine the susceptibility of bacterial strains to the combination of penicillin G and clavulanic acid. This combination is critical for identifying beta-lactamase-mediated resistance, providing accurate data for clinical decision-making. The discs are compliant with internationally recognized standards, including CLSI and EUCAST guidelines.

Specifications

Applications

• Beta-Lactamase Detection: Detects bacterial strains that produce beta-lactamase enzymes, which hydrolyze beta-lactam antibiotics, rendering them ineffective.
• Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (AST): Determines resistance and susceptibility patterns for penicillin-based antibiotics in clinical isolates.
• Combination Testing: Demonstrates the synergistic effect of clavulanic acid, a beta-lactamase inhibitor, with penicillin G.
• Clinical Diagnostics: Supports the diagnosis of resistant bacterial infections in clinical microbiology laboratories.

Test Procedure

1. Preparation:
   • Prepare Mueller-Hinton Agar (MHA) plates as recommended by CLSI or EUCAST.
   • Inoculate the agar plate with a standardized bacterial suspension (e.g., 0.5 McFarland standard).
2. Application:
   • Place the Penicillin G + Clavulanic Acid PC discs on the inoculated agar plate using sterile forceps.
   • Ensure even spacing to avoid overlapping inhibition zones.
3. Incubation:
   • Incubate plates aerobically at 35°C ± 2°C for 18–24 hours.
4. Interpretation:
   • Measure the diameter of the inhibition zone in millimeters.
   • Compare the results with CLSI or EUCAST breakpoint tables for interpretation.

Quality Control

Reference Data

• CLSI Standards:
  • M100 Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing, Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI).
• EUCAST Guidelines:
  • The European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) Breakpoint Tables.
• ISO Compliance:
  • ISO 20776-1: Susceptibility testing of infectious agents and evaluation of performance of AST devices.

Regulatory Data

• CE Certification: The discs are CE-marked, ensuring compliance with the European In Vitro Diagnostic Directive (IVDD) 98/79/EC.
• ISO Certification: Manufactured under ISO 13485:2016 standards for quality management in medical devices.
• Research Use Only: Designed for research and diagnostic purposes, not for therapeutic use.

Advantages

1. Enhanced Sensitivity:
   • The combination of clavulanic acid with penicillin G improves detection of beta-lactamase-producing strains.
2. Standardized Performance:
   • Meets rigorous international guidelines for reliable and reproducible results.
3. Wide Applicability:
   • Suitable for a range of bacterial pathogens, including resistant Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains.
4. Long Shelf Life:
   • Stability ensures reliable performance even after extended storage.

Comparisons with Other Brands

Conclusion

The Liofilchem® Penicillin G 1+ Clavulanic Acid 10 PC Antimicrobial Susceptibility Discs, 10 µg, provide reliable and accurate results for detecting beta-lactamase-mediated resistance. Their compliance with CLSI and EUCAST guidelines makes them an essential tool for clinical microbiology laboratories.