Liofilchem™ MTS™ Vancomycin/Teicoplanin VA/TEC 0.5-32/0.5-32, MIC Test strips

The Liofilchem™ MTS™ Vancomycin/Teicoplanin MIC Test Strips (VA/TEC 0.5–32/0.5–32) are dual-gradient strips designed to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the glycopeptide antibiotics vancomycin and teicoplanin against Gram-positive pathogens. These strips are essential for detecting glycopeptide susceptibility and resistance in critical pathogens like Enterococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA), and other clinically significant Gram-positive bacteria.

Key Features

1. Dual Gradient for Two Antibiotics

• Each strip incorporates two gradients:
  • Vancomycin (VA): Ranges from 0.5 to 32 µg/mL.
  • Teicoplanin (TEC): Ranges from 0.5 to 32 µg/mL.
• Provides simultaneous MIC results for both antibiotics, enhancing diagnostic efficiency.

2. Broad Applicability

• Suitable for testing a variety of Gram-positive organisms, including:
  • Staphylococcus aureus (e.g., MRSA).
  • Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium (e.g., VRE).
  • Other clinically significant glycopeptide-resistant organisms.

3. High Sensitivity and Accuracy

• Detects low-level and high-level resistance mechanisms to glycopeptides.
• Ideal for monitoring antimicrobial resistance trends.

4. Compliance with Standards

• Meets international guidelines, including CLSI and EUCAST, for antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

5. Easy-to-Use Format

• Designed for gradient diffusion:
  • Apply the strip to an inoculated agar plate.
  • Incubate and read the MIC at the point where bacterial growth inhibition intersects the strip.

Specifications

Storage Conditions

1. Long-Term Storage

• Store strips at -20°C to maintain stability and performance over time.
• Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles to preserve antibiotic gradients.

2. Short-Term Storage

• If needed, strips can be stored at 2–8°C for a limited period (e.g., weeks), but long-term storage at -20°C is recommended.

3. Packaging

• Supplied in airtight, desiccant-lined packaging to protect against moisture.
• Open packaging only when strips are at room temperature to prevent condensation.

Applications

1. Clinical Diagnostics

• Determines MIC values for vancomycin and teicoplanin, guiding effective treatment strategies for infections caused by Gram-positive pathogens.

2. Resistance Monitoring

• Identifies glycopeptide resistance, including Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) and Vancomycin-Intermediate/Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VISA/VRSA).

3. Research and Development

• Assists in studying glycopeptide resistance mechanisms and evaluating new therapeutic options.

4. Hospital Infection Control

• Essential for monitoring nosocomial infections and tailoring antibiotic stewardship programs.

Advantages

1. Dual-Antibiotic Testing:
   • Saves time and resources by simultaneously testing vancomycin and teicoplanin.
2. Accurate and Reliable:
   • Ensures precise MIC determination, critical for clinical decision-making.
3. Convenient and Efficient:
   • Easy-to-use strips streamline laboratory workflows.
4. Long Shelf Life:
   • Stability under proper storage conditions minimizes waste.
5. Broad Spectrum:
   • Applicable to a wide range of Gram-positive bacteria, including resistant strains.

Why Choose Liofilchem™ MTS™ Vancomycin/Teicoplanin MIC Test Strips?

The Liofilchem™ MTS™ VA/TEC Test Strips are a powerful diagnostic tool for laboratories tackling antimicrobial resistance. They provide reliable and efficient MIC determination for two critical glycopeptides, helping clinicians and researchers combat multidrug-resistant infections effectively. Their dual-gradient design, broad applicability, and compliance with global standards make them an indispensable asset for clinical and research microbiology.