CHROMagar™ mSuperCARBA™

For Detection and Isolation of Carbapenemase-Producing Organisms (CPOs), Including CRE

CHROMagar™ mSuperCARBA™ is a highly sensitive and selective chromogenic culture medium designed for the detection of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, particularly carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and other carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPOs), including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. This advanced medium allows the detection of a wide variety of carbapenemases, such as KPC, NDM, VIM, IMP, and OXA-48, including strains with low-level resistance, with an impressive detection threshold of 10 CFU/mL.

Colony Appearance

Performance

Carbapenemase-producing organisms are a global public health threat, causing infections that are difficult to treat and associated with high mortality. CHROMagar™ mSuperCARBA™ was developed in collaboration with Dr. Alain Rambach and Dr. Patrice Nordmann to address the challenge of early and accurate detection of these resistant organisms, particularly those producing weakly expressed carbapenemases like OXA-48.

Key performance features:

• Broad detection range: Effective for KPC, NDM, VIM, IMP, and OXA carbapenemases
• Exceptional sensitivity: Detects as low as 10 CFU/mL
• High selectivity: Inhibits growth of ESBL and AmpC producers that are not carbapenemase producers
• Rapid results: Colonies visible within 18–24 hours after aerobic incubation

Intended Use

CHROMagar™ mSuperCARBA™ is intended for:

• Screening gastrointestinal colonization by CRE and CPOs
• Use with:
  • Rectal swabs
  • Stool samples
• Suitable for:
  • Hospital screening programs
  • ICU outbreak containment
  • Surveillance studies in high-risk units

Not intended to diagnose infection or guide treatment. Positive colonies require further confirmation through susceptibility testing and molecular assays.

Advantages

1. High Sensitivity
   Detects even low-expressing carbapenemase producers such as OXA-48-like strains after overnight incubation.
2. Low Limit of Detection
   Effective at levels as low as 10 colony-forming units (CFU/mL).
3. Excellent Specificity
   Inhibits most ESBL and AmpC hyperproducers, focusing detection specifically on carbapenemase-producing organisms.
4. Rapid and Reliable
   Enables clear colony color differentiation for multiple species, simplifying interpretation even in mixed flora samples.
5. Supports Infection Control Measures
   Enables early detection of CPO colonization to prevent nosocomial transmission and implement isolation precautions.

Test Procedure

1. Sample Type: Rectal swabs, stool
2. Inoculation: Direct plating onto CHROMagar™ mSuperCARBA™
3. Incubation:
   • Temperature: 35–37 °C
   • Time: 18–24 hours
   • Atmosphere: Aerobic
4. Interpretation:
   • Based on distinct colony color and morphology
   • Follow up with confirmatory molecular testing or AST

Ordering Information

Each pack includes:

• Base medium
• Supplements SC172(S1), SC172(S2) or SC173-25(S1), SC173-25(S2)

Storage & Shelf Life

• Storage: 2–8 °C, dry and protected from light
• Shelf Life: Up to 24 months from date of manufacture
• Prepared Plates: Use within validated expiration period

CHROMagar™ mSuperCARBA™ is a next-generation chromogenic medium offering superior sensitivity, selectivity, and ease of use for the detection of carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative organisms. Ideal for hospital laboratories and public health institutions, it is a crucial tool for early identification and containment of multidrug-resistant bacterial threats.