Liofilchem™ MTS™ Micafungin MYC 0.002-32, MIC Test strips

Liofilchem™ MTS™ Micafungin MYC 0.002-32, MIC Test Strips are innovative, easy-to-use tools designed for determining the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of Micafungin, an echinocandin antifungal agent. These strips are used to assess the susceptibility of fungal pathogens to micafungin by measuring the lowest concentration of the drug that prevents visible growth of the organism. This is crucial for guiding antifungal therapy and understanding resistance patterns in clinical settings.

Key Features & Benefits:

1. Accurate MIC Determination:
   • The MTS™ (MIC Test Strip) provides a simple and reliable way to determine the MIC of Micafungin, which is important for evaluating the antifungal susceptibility of various fungal pathogens. The test offers an easy-to-read visual result, providing a clear demarcation between inhibited and non-inhibited fungal growth.
2. Wide MIC Range:
   • The test strips cover a wide range of concentrations from 0.002 µg/mL to 32 µg/mL, making them suitable for testing various levels of susceptibility across different strains of fungi.
3. Enhanced Ease of Use:
   • The MTS™ strips are designed for simplicity and ease of use. After applying the test strip to the inoculated agar plate, the MIC can be directly read from the point where fungal growth is inhibited, reducing the need for complex procedures or specialized equipment.
4. Reliable Results:
   • Liofilchem™ MTS™ strips are produced with stringent quality controls, ensuring consistent and accurate results every time. These strips are particularly useful in standard microbiological laboratories for routine susceptibility testing.
5. Optimized for Fungal Pathogens:
   • These MIC test strips are designed for testing Candida species and other common fungal pathogens that are treated with micafungin, including Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Aspergillus species.
6. Non-Destructive Test:
   • Unlike traditional broth microdilution methods, MTS™ strips do not require a liquid medium. This makes them more economical, faster, and easier to handle, while still providing reliable MIC data.

Applications & Use Cases:

1. Clinical Microbiology Laboratories:
   • Candida Species Susceptibility Testing: The MTS™ Micafungin strips are primarily used to assess the susceptibility of Candida species, such as Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and other Candida species, to micafungin. This is critical for patients with invasive candidiasis or candidemia.
   • Aspergillus Species Testing: The strips can also be used to evaluate the susceptibility of Aspergillus species to micafungin, particularly in immunocompromised patients at risk for invasive aspergillosis.
   • Antifungal Resistance Monitoring: These strips are essential for monitoring emerging antifungal resistance in hospital settings. By assessing resistance levels to micafungin, laboratories can guide effective treatment plans.
2. Antifungal Therapy Optimization:
   • Individualized Treatment: The MIC value determined using the test strips helps clinicians choose the most appropriate antifungal therapy based on the organism's susceptibility, optimizing patient treatment and improving outcomes.
   • Empiric Therapy Guidance: For patients with suspected systemic fungal infections, the MIC test can help choose the right initial antifungal therapy, reducing delays in effective treatment.
3. Hospitals and Healthcare Settings:
   • In hospitals, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs) where patients are at high risk for fungal infections, micafungin susceptibility testing is crucial for managing invasive fungal infections. The test strips help in quickly determining whether micafungin will be effective in treating infections.
4. Research Applications:
   • Fungal Resistance Research: These strips are valuable tools for researchers studying fungal resistance to echinocandins and other antifungal agents. They help in tracking resistance patterns over time, especially with fungi like Candida glabrata, which may exhibit varying resistance to micafungin.
   • Drug Development Studies: Used in clinical trials and drug development studies to test the efficacy of new antifungal compounds against various fungal pathogens.
5. Epidemiological Surveillance:
   • Laboratories involved in fungal epidemiology use these MIC test strips to track resistance trends within a population. This data can be used to monitor resistance patterns, which is essential in large-scale surveillance programs for invasive fungal diseases.

Specifications:

Interpretation of Results:

• MIC Determination: The MIC value is determined by measuring the zone of inhibition where fungal growth is inhibited along the strip. The point at which no growth is visible on the strip indicates the MIC concentration.
• The MIC breakpoint for determining susceptibility or resistance will depend on the clinical guidelines or hospital protocols. Interpretation tables are usually provided by the manufacturer based on standard susceptibility breakpoints.

Storage and Handling:

• Store at 2–8°C (refrigerated) and protect from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep the strips in their original packaging until use.
• Shelf Life: These strips are generally stable for 12–24 months; always check the expiration date on the packaging.

Legal Information:

• For Research Use Only.
• Not for diagnostic procedures or clinical use unless specified by manufacturer guidelines.

The Liofilchem™ MTS™ Micafungin MYC 0.002-32, MIC Test Strips offer a convenient, reliable, and cost-effective method for determining the antifungal susceptibility of fungal pathogens to micafungin. These strips are widely used in clinical laboratories, hospital settings, and research to optimize antifungal treatment, monitor resistance patterns, and guide personalized therapy for invasive fungal infections. The simple methodology, wide MIC range, and reliable results make these strips an essential tool for clinicians and researchers dealing with fungal resistance and treatment efficacy.