Liofilchem CATALASE Reagent Droppers, 1 mL

The Liofilchem™ Catalase Reagent Droppers are a diagnostic solution designed for the rapid detection of the catalase enzyme in bacterial isolates. This test is a critical aid in differentiating catalase-positive and catalase-negative microorganisms, such as Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp., respectively. The reagent is provided in a convenient dropper format containing hydrogen peroxide (~3%), ensuring ease of use and precision in catalase testing workflows.

Key Features

1. Ready-to-Use Dropper Bottles:
   • Pre-prepared hydrogen peroxide reagent for immediate use.
2. Accurate Catalase Detection:
   • Produces visible gas bubbles in the presence of catalase-positive bacteria.
3. Convenient Packaging:
   • Includes 20 dropper bottles, each containing 1 mL, ideal for small- to medium-scale laboratories.
4. Standards Compliant:
   • Validated for performance with a range of control strains, meeting laboratory quality standards.
5. Multiple Test Formats:
   • Suitable for slide, tube, agar plate, and broth catalase testing methods.

Kit Contents

• 20 dropper bottles (1 mL each) containing ~3% hydrogen peroxide.

Intended Use

• Detect the catalase enzyme in bacterial isolates for microbial differentiation and identification.
• Primarily used in clinical microbiology for diagnosing infections caused by catalase-positive bacteria.

Method Principles

• Catalase-positive microorganisms break down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, resulting in visible gas bubbles.
• Catalase-negative microorganisms do not produce bubbles.

Test Procedures

Slide Test Method

1. Obtain a pure culture of the organism to be tested.
2. Transfer a well-isolated colony onto a glass slide using an inoculating needle or applicator stick.
3. Add 1–2 drops of the catalase reagent directly onto the smear.
4. Examine immediately for rapid gas bubble production.

Tube or Agar Plate Method

1. Add a few drops of the catalase reagent to the surface of an 18–24 hour agar plate or slant (ensure no blood-containing media is used).
2. Observe immediately and after 5 minutes for bubble formation.

Broth Method

1. Add the catalase reagent directly to a 24–48 hour broth culture.
2. Examine immediately and after 5 minutes for gas bubbles.

Interpreting Results

• Positive Reaction: Visible bubble formation indicates catalase enzyme activity.
• Negative Reaction: No bubble formation.

Performance Characteristics

• Validated using the following control strains:
  • Staphylococcus aureus (Positive reaction: gas bubbles).
  • Listeria monocytogenes (Positive reaction: gas bubbles).
  • Enterococcus faecalis (Negative reaction: no bubbles).

Storage and Shelf Life

• Store at 2°C to 8°C in its original packaging.
• Shelf life: 2 years from the date of manufacture.

Applications

1. Clinical Microbiology:
   • Distinguish catalase-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus spp.) from catalase-negative bacteria (Streptococcus spp.).
2. Research:
   • Study bacterial enzymatic activities and aerobic metabolism.
3. Quality Control:
   • Use validated control strains to ensure test accuracy.

Advantages

• Convenient Format: Pre-measured dropper bottles simplify testing workflows.
• Rapid Results: Provides immediate feedback on catalase activity.
• Reliable and Accurate: Validated performance using standard control strains.
• Versatile: Compatible with various testing methods (slide, tube, agar plate, broth).

Warnings and Precautions

1. For in vitro diagnostic use only.
2. Handle specimens and reagents as potentially infectious.
3. Avoid using blood-containing media, as blood catalase may interfere with results.
4. Use clean and iron-free tools to avoid false positives.
5. Dispose of hazardous waste according to local regulations.

Limitations

• Additional biochemical tests are required for complete bacterial identification.
• Use pure cultures to avoid false results.
• Low-glucose media may yield confusing results with pseudocatalase reactions.

Packaging

• Contents: 20 x 1 mL dropper bottles.
• Storage Conditions: 2°C to 8°C.

Why Choose Liofilchem Catalase Reagent Droppers?

• Simplifies catalase testing with convenient dropper bottles.
• Reliable results validated with quality control strains.
• Trusted for clinical, research, and quality control microbiology workflows.