Thermo Scientific™ Oxoid™ VCNT Selective Supplement, Freeze Dried

The Thermo Scientific™ Oxoid™ VCNT Selective Supplement is a freeze-dried additive designed for the preparation of Thayer Martin Medium, enabling the selective isolation of pathogenic Neisseria species such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis from clinical specimens.

Product Features

1. Selective Medium Component: Designed to enhance the selectivity of Thayer Martin Medium when added to GC Agar Base (Part No. CM0367B).
2. Specific Target Use:
   • Isolates Neisseria species for clinical and research diagnostics.
   • Differentiates pathogenic Neisseria from other bacteria and contaminants.
3. Freeze-Dried Formulation:
   • Facilitates long-term storage and easy reconstitution.
   • Ensures consistent and reliable results.

Composition

Each vial contains:

• Vancomycin: Targets and inhibits Gram-positive bacteria by interfering with cell wall synthesis.
• Colistin Sulphate: Effective against Gram-negative bacteria by disrupting the bacterial cell membrane.
• Trimethoprim: Inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, affecting DNA synthesis in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
• Nystatin: An antifungal agent that disrupts fungal membrane integrity by binding to sterols.

Preparation Instructions

1. Reconstitution:
   • Dissolve the content of one vial in 5 mL of sterile distilled water.
2. Mixing:
   • Add the reconstituted solution to 500 mL of GC Agar Base that has been autoclaved and cooled to 45–50°C.
   • Enrich the medium with 5% defibrinated horse blood.
3. Dispensing:
   • Mix thoroughly and pour into sterile Petri dishes under aseptic conditions.

Applications

1. Clinical Diagnostics:
   • Detection of Neisseria species from clinical specimens such as swabs from mucosal surfaces.
2. Public Health Surveillance:
   • Monitoring infections like gonorrhea and meningitis.
3. Microbiological Research:
   • Studies on the pathogenicity and antimicrobial resistance of Neisseria species.

Storage and Stability

• Storage Conditions: 2–8°C in original packaging.
• Reconstituted Shelf Life: Up to 30 days at -20°C when protected from light.
• Packaging: Available as 10 vials per pack.

Quality Assurance

1. Microbiological Performance Testing:
   • Neisseria gonorrhoeae ATCC 43069 and Neisseria meningitidis ATCC 13090: Good growth.
   • Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923: Inhibited growth.
2. Ensures targeted growth of pathogenic Neisseria species while suppressing contaminants.

Specifications

Precautions

1. For In Vitro Diagnostic Use Only:
   • Must be handled by trained professionals in a clinical or laboratory setting.
2. Safety Guidelines:
   • Handle as per biosafety protocols for infectious agents.
   • Dispose of used materials following local regulatory guidelines.

The Thermo Scientific™ Oxoid™ VCNT Selective Supplement ensures effective isolation of Neisseria spp., providing high specificity for diagnostic and research workflows.

References

1. Thayer, J.D., Martin, J.E. "Selective medium for the cultivation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae." (1966).
2. Manufacturer's technical documentation.
3. Standard microbiology guidelines for selective media preparation.