Liofilchem™ MTS™ Ampicillin AMP 0.016-256, MIC Test strips

The Liofilchem™ MTS™ Ampicillin test strips are designed for the accurate determination of the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of Ampicillin against bacterial pathogens. These strips are an essential tool for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) in clinical and research laboratories.

The MTS™ Ampicillin test strips are a quantitative gradient diffusion method for determining the MIC of Ampicillin. These strips provide an effective solution for susceptibility testing by combining the ease of diffusion methods with the precision of dilution techniques. The strips are particularly useful for testing both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, aiding clinicians and researchers in guiding effective antimicrobial therapy.

Applications

1. Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST):
   • Quantitative MIC determination for clinical isolates of bacteria.
   • Effective against pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., Proteus spp., Salmonella spp., and Shigella spp.
2. Therapeutic Decision Support:
   • Provides critical data for selecting appropriate dosages of Ampicillin for effective treatment.
3. Epidemiological Surveillance:
   • Tracks resistance trends to guide public health initiatives.
4. Pharmaceutical Research:
   • Supports the development and evaluation of new antimicrobial agents.

Technical Features

• Concentration Range: 0.016–256 µg/mL.
• Gradient Technology: Provides precise and continuous antibiotic diffusion for accurate MIC results.
• Material: Made of high-quality biodegradable cellulose.
• Design: Each strip contains a printed MIC scale for easy reading and interpretation.
• Compliance: Follows CLSI and EUCAST standards for antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• Sterile Packaging: Ensures contamination-free handling with individually sealed strips.

Principle of the Method

The strips contain a predefined, continuous gradient of Ampicillin concentrations. When placed on an agar surface inoculated with the test organism, Ampicillin diffuses into the medium, forming a concentration gradient. The MIC is determined at the point where the growth inhibition ellipse intersects the strip’s printed MIC scale.

Test Procedure

1. Inoculum Preparation:
   • Prepare a bacterial suspension equivalent to a 0.5 McFarland standard.
2. Agar Preparation:
   • Use Mueller-Hinton Agar or Mueller-Hinton with blood for fastidious organisms. Ensure plates are poured to a uniform depth.
3. Inoculation:
   • Evenly spread the bacterial suspension onto the agar plate.
4. Placement of MTS™ Strips:
   • Use sterile forceps to place the strip on the agar surface with the MIC scale facing upward.
5. Incubation:
   • Incubate the plates aerobically at 35 ± 2°C for 16–20 hours.
6. Result Interpretation:
   • Observe the inhibition ellipse and record the MIC value at the intersection of the ellipse and the strip’s scale.

Quality Control

Control Strains:

• Escherichia coli ATCC® 25922: MIC within established CLSI/EUCAST ranges for Ampicillin.
• Enterococcus faecalis ATCC® 29212: MIC within acceptable quality control limits.

Storage and Stability

• Storage Temperature: 2–8°C in the original sealed packaging, away from light and moisture.
• Shelf Life: Up to the expiry date printed on the package when stored correctly.

Key Benefits

1. Precise Results: Allows accurate determination of Ampicillin MIC.
2. Ease of Use: Simple placement and reading method suitable for various bacterial isolates.
3. Wide Range: Covers an extensive MIC range for comprehensive testing.
4. Compliance: Meets international standards for AST.
5. Sterile Packaging: Protects the integrity of the product and prevents contamination.

Warnings and Precautions

1. In Vitro Diagnostic Use (IVD): For laboratory use only.
2. Professional Handling: Should be used by trained laboratory personnel.
3. Biosafety Measures: Handle bacterial cultures with appropriate safety precautions.
4. Waste Disposal: Dispose of used materials following local and national regulations.

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