Liofilchem® Amphotericin B Amb Antimicrobial Susceptibility Discs, 20 µg, 250 Discs/Pack

Liofilchem® Amphotericin B (AMB) Antimicrobial Susceptibility Discs are precision-manufactured tools designed to evaluate the susceptibility of fungal pathogens to Amphotericin B, a polyene antifungal agent widely used for the treatment of invasive fungal infections. These discs are essential for antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) in clinical laboratories, following standardized methods such as CLSI and EUCAST.

Features and Benefits:

1. Accurate Dosage:
   • Available in 10 µg and 20 µg dosages for versatile applications in antifungal susceptibility testing.
   • Manufactured to ensure consistent and accurate zone size readings.
2. Wide Spectrum of Activity:
   • Effective for testing a broad range of fungal pathogens, including Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., and other yeasts and molds.
3. High-Quality Standards:
   • Manufactured under strict quality control measures to ensure reliable performance in both manual and automated systems.
   • Meets or exceeds requirements set by CLSI (M27 and M44) and EUCAST guidelines for antifungal susceptibility testing.
4. Ease of Use:
   • Designed for compatibility with both manual and automated disc dispenser systems.
   • Supplied in desiccant-protected packaging to maintain integrity and potency during storage.
5. Clinical Utility:
   • Provides critical data for guiding antifungal therapy, particularly for systemic fungal infections.
   • Enables detection of Amphotericin B resistance, crucial for managing refractory fungal diseases.

Composition and Mechanism of Action:

• Active Ingredient: Amphotericin B, a polyene macrolide antifungal agent that binds to ergosterol in fungal cell membranes, causing membrane disruption and cell death.
• Disc Formulation: Impregnated with Amphotericin B in precise concentrations of 10 µg and 20 µg, embedded in a biologically inert paper matrix.
• Mode of Action: The active compound diffuses radially from the disc, inhibiting the growth of susceptible fungal cells in the surrounding medium.

Applications:

• Clinical Diagnostics:
  • Testing Candida spp., including C. albicans, C. tropicalis, and C. glabrata.
  • Evaluating susceptibility in Aspergillus spp. and other invasive molds.
• Research:
  • Used in studies of fungal resistance mechanisms and antifungal efficacy.
  • Essential for antifungal drug development and epidemiological monitoring.

Test Procedure:

1. Preparation:
   • Use Mueller-Hinton agar supplemented with glucose and methylene blue or other antifungal susceptibility testing media as recommended by CLSI or EUCAST.
   • Adjust fungal inoculum to the required density (e.g., 0.5 McFarland standard).
2. Application:
   • Place the Amphotericin B disc onto the agar surface using sterile forceps or a disc dispenser.
3. Incubation:
   • Incubate plates aerobically at 35 ± 2°C for 24-48 hours (depending on the organism tested).
4. Interpretation:
   • Measure the diameter of the zone of inhibition using a calibrated ruler.
   • Interpret results based on established CLSI or EUCAST breakpoints for Amphotericin B.

Storage and Shelf Life:

• Storage Conditions: Store discs at 2-8°C in their original desiccant-protected packaging to maintain potency.
• Shelf Life: Discs retain efficacy for up to 2 years when stored under recommended conditions.

Quality Control: Each batch of Amphotericin B discs undergoes rigorous testing with control strains such as:

• Candida parapsilosis ATCC® 22019
• Candida krusei ATCC® 6258 Expected zone diameters are verified to ensure compliance with CLSI/EUCAST standards.

Precautions:

1. For in vitro diagnostic use only.
2. Use by trained laboratory professionals following standardized protocols.
3. Avoid using expired or damaged discs to prevent inaccurate results.
4. Dispose of used materials according to institutional and local waste management regulations.

Packaging:

• Available Formats:
  • 50 discs per cartridge
  • Supplied in individually labeled containers for convenient use.
• Product Codes:
  • Amphotericin B 10 µg
  • Amphotericin B 20 µg

Applications and Clinical Impact: Liofilchem® Amphotericin B Susceptibility Discs are invaluable for:

• Guiding treatment of invasive fungal infections.
• Detecting resistant fungal strains to optimize antifungal therapy.
• Enhancing fungal resistance monitoring programs in healthcare settings.

By combining reliability, ease of use, and adherence to international standards, Liofilchem® Amphotericin B discs provide a trusted solution for antifungal susceptibility testing in clinical and research laboratories.