CHROMagar™ KPC

CHROMagar™ KPC is a selective and differential chromogenic culture medium designed for the rapid detection of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), including those producing carbapenemase enzymes such as KPC, OXA, and MBL (e.g., NDM-1). This medium facilitates the screening of gastrointestinal colonization by CRE in patients, aiding healthcare institutions in early detection, prevention, and control of these multidrug-resistant organisms.

Key Features

1. Selective Chromogenic Medium:
   • Differentiates CRE from other Gram-negative bacteria based on distinct colony colors.
   • Specifically detects organisms with reduced susceptibility to carbapenems.
2. Short Incubation Time:
   • Results available within 18–24 hours of aerobic incubation at 35–37°C, providing rapid detection for timely infection control measures.
3. Direct Plating:
   • Eliminates the need for a selective pre-enrichment step, saving time and reducing workload.
4. Flexible Application:
   • Ideal for epidemic situations with high patient volumes as well as routine surveillance.
5. Long Shelf-Life:
   • The CHROMagar™ KPC supplement has a shelf life of more than 18 months, ensuring readiness for outbreak scenarios and routine monitoring.

Applications

1. Healthcare Surveillance:
   • Screening rectal swabs and stool samples for gastrointestinal colonization by CRE in hospitalized patients.
2. Infection Control:
   • Early detection of CRE colonization to implement containment measures and reduce nosocomial transmission.
3. Early Warning for Diagnostics:
   • Flags the presence of potential multidrug-resistant bacteria as a precursor to diagnostic testing for infections.

How It Works

1. Sample Inoculation:
   • Directly plate rectal swabs or stool samples onto CHROMagar™ KPC without pre-enrichment.
2. Incubation:
   • Aerobic incubation at 35–37°C for 18–24 hours.
3. Result Interpretation:
   • Observe colony colors to differentiate carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE).

Advantages

1. Rapid Results:
   • Delivers same-day detection of CRE, enabling quicker implementation of infection control protocols.
2. Laboratory Efficiency:
   • Direct plating eliminates the need for time-consuming pre-enrichment steps.
3. High Sensitivity and Specificity:
   • Targets CRE effectively, minimizing false positives and negatives.
4. Flexible Workflow:
   • Long shelf-life supplement accommodates varied testing frequencies, from outbreak monitoring to routine surveillance.

Limitations

• Further microbiological or molecular testing is required to confirm CRE presence and identify specific carbapenemase enzymes.
• The absence of growth does not exclude the presence of CRE.

Intended Use

• Screening: Detects gastrointestinal colonization with CRE for infection prevention and control.
• Not Diagnostic: Not intended to diagnose infections or guide treatment.

Storage and Stability

• Storage: Store the medium and supplements at 15–30°C in a dry environment.
• Shelf Life: CHROMagar™ KPC supplement has a shelf life exceeding 18 months.

Why Use CHROMagar™ KPC?

• Early Detection: Enables rapid identification of CRE colonization, helping to curb the spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens.
• Ease of Use: Simplifies workflows with direct plating and short incubation periods.
• Reliable Surveillance Tool: Essential for monitoring outbreaks and routine healthcare facility screenings.

CHROMagar™ KPC is a crucial tool in combating antimicrobial resistance, providing healthcare institutions with a fast, reliable, and efficient method for detecting carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae.

3. Short incubation: requires only 18-24 hours of incubation.

Composition