Liofilchem® Penicillin G 1+ Clavulanic acid 20 PC Antimicrobial Susceptibility Discs, 20 µg

The Liofilchem® Penicillin G 1 + Clavulanic Acid 20 PC Antimicrobial Susceptibility Discs, 20 µg, are specialized discs designed for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) of bacterial isolates. These discs combine Penicillin G with Clavulanic Acid, a β-lactamase inhibitor, to assess the susceptibility of bacteria that may produce β-lactamases, aiding in identifying resistance mechanisms.

Key Features

• Combination Therapy Testing: Contains 1 µg Penicillin G and 20 µg Clavulanic Acid for evaluating the inhibitory effect of β-lactamase on bacterial isolates.
• Diagnostic Value: Useful for detecting resistance mediated by β-lactamase production.
• Standardized: Manufactured in compliance with CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) and EUCAST (European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing) guidelines.
• Wide Application: Effective in testing both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus spp., and Escherichia coli.

Technical Specifications

Regulatory Data

• CE Marked: These discs are CE-certified, signifying compliance with European medical device regulations.
• ISO Certification: Manufactured under ISO 13485 quality management standards for medical devices.
• EUCAST Standards: Validated for use under EUCAST interpretive criteria for AST.
• CLSI Approved: Compatible with CLSI methods for susceptibility testing.

Testing Procedure

1. Preparation:
   • Use Mueller-Hinton Agar plates prepared according to CLSI/EUCAST standards.
   • Adjust the bacterial suspension to 0.5 McFarland turbidity standard.
2. Application:
   • Plate the inoculum evenly using a sterile swab.
   • Place the Liofilchem® Penicillin G 1 + Clavulanic Acid 20 PC disc on the agar surface using sterile forceps.
3. Incubation:
   • Incubate plates aerobically at 35 ± 2°C for 16–18 hours.
4. Interpretation:
   • Measure the diameter of the inhibition zone around the disc.
   • Compare with EUCAST or CLSI breakpoints to determine susceptibility or resistance.

Interpretation of Results

• A large inhibition zone indicates susceptibility, suggesting the effectiveness of Penicillin G when combined with Clavulanic Acid.
• A small or absent inhibition zone may suggest resistance mechanisms, such as β-lactamase production.

Quality Control Data

Applications

• Clinical Microbiology: Detects resistance mechanisms in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
• Pharmaceutical Research: Evaluates β-lactamase inhibitors.
• Hospital Laboratories: Monitors emerging resistance patterns in nosocomial infections.

Comparison with Other Brands

Liofilchem® discs are renowned for their accuracy, reproducibility, and adherence to international standards. Compared to other brands, Liofilchem® discs offer:

• Consistent drug concentration across discs.
• Robust compliance with CLSI and EUCAST criteria.
• Comprehensive quality control data for reliable interpretations.

Storage and Stability

• Store long-term at -20°C and short-term at 2–8°C.
• Protect discs from light and moisture to maintain efficacy.

Conclusion

Liofilchem® Penicillin G 1 + Clavulanic Acid 20 PC Antimicrobial Susceptibility Discs provide a reliable tool for identifying β-lactamase-mediated resistance in clinical isolates. Their compliance with regulatory standards and robust quality control ensure accurate and reproducible results in antimicrobial susceptibility testing.