Liofilchem™ MTS™ Imipenem-relebactam I/R 0.002/4-32/4, MIC Test strips

The Liofilchem™ MTS™ Imipenem-relebactam (I/R) 0.002/4–32/4 MIC Test Strips are a gradient diffusion tool designed to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of imipenem in combination with relebactam, a β-lactamase inhibitor. These strips are instrumental in assessing the susceptibility of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and other Gram-negative pathogens, particularly those producing β-lactamases such as KPC.

Key Features

1. Dual-Action Detection: Combines imipenem and relebactam for accurate identification of β-lactamase-mediated resistance.
2. Wide MIC Range: Covers a broad range from 0.002/4 to 32/4 μg/mL, ensuring precise measurements for resistant and susceptible isolates.
3. Ease of Use: Designed for use with Mueller-Hinton Agar and standard incubation conditions, making it compatible with routine laboratory workflows.
4. Global Standards Compliance: Aligns with CLSI M100 and EUCAST recommendations for MIC testing.

Applications

Technical Specifications

Testing Procedure

Preparation

1. Prepare a bacterial suspension equivalent to 0.5 McFarland Standard.
2. Spread the suspension evenly onto a Mueller-Hinton Agar plate using a sterile swab.

Strip Placement

1. Apply the Imipenem-relebactam MIC strip onto the inoculated agar.
2. Ensure that the strip adheres firmly to the agar surface.

Incubation

1. Incubate the plate at 35–37°C for 16–20 hours under aerobic conditions.

MIC Reading

1. Observe the intersection of the inhibition ellipse with the strip’s gradient.
2. Record the MIC value where the zone edge meets the strip.

Result Interpretation

Quality Control Data

Advantages

Reference Data

1. CLSI M100 Standards: Provides interpretive criteria and breakpoints for antimicrobial testing.
2. EUCAST Recommendations: Outlines specific MIC thresholds for imipenem-relebactam testing.
3. Scientific Literature:
   • "The Role of Relebactam in Combating Carbapenem Resistance," Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.
   • "Evaluation of Gradient Diffusion Methods for CRE Detection," Clinical Microbiology Reviews.

Conclusion

The Liofilchem™ MTS™ Imipenem-relebactam (I/R) MIC Test Strips offer a reliable and precise method for determining MIC values of imipenem with relebactam. By adhering to international standards and providing high sensitivity for resistance detection, these strips are indispensable in clinical microbiology laboratories for combating carbapenem-resistant infections.