Liofilchem® VP (KOH) Reagent Droppers, 2.5mL

The VP (KOH) Reagent Droppers are reagents designed for the execution of the Voges-Proskauer (VP) test, a qualitative diagnostic test to differentiate members of the Enterobacteriaceae family based on their ability to metabolize glucose and produce acetylmethylcarbinol (acetoin). This reagent kit facilitates the identification of bacteria and serves as an aid in diagnosis when used alongside additional tests for complete microbiological profiling.

Key Features

1. Purpose:
   • Qualitative test to distinguish between Enterobacteriaceae members based on glucose metabolism.
   • Detects acetoin production as an intermediate fermentation product.
2. Kit Contents:
   • 10 dropper bottles of alpha-naphthol solution (2.5 mL each).
   • 10 dropper bottles of potassium hydroxide solution (2.5 mL each).
3. Principle:
   • When cultivated in specific media (e.g., MR-VP broth), bacteria producing acetoin react with the VP reagents to form diacetyl, which reacts with creatine to yield a red-colored compound as a positive test result.
4. Ease of Use:
   • Convenient dropper bottles simplify reagent application and ensure precise dosing.
5. Reliability:
   • Validated with quality control strains to ensure consistent performance.

Test Procedure

1. Preparation:
   • Inoculate a tube of MR-VP broth with a pure bacterial culture.
   • Incubate at 35 ± 2°C for 24–72 hours.
2. Testing:
   • Transfer 1–2 mL of the broth culture to a clean test tube.
   • Add 0.6 mL (12 drops) of alpha-naphthol solution.
   • Add 0.2 mL (4 drops) of KOH solution.
   • Shake the tube well to expose the medium to atmospheric oxygen, essential for acetoin oxidation.
3. Result Interpretation:
   • Positive Result: Development of a pink to bright red color within 20 minutes.
   • Negative Result: No color development or copper coloration.
4. Quality Control:
   • Run positive and negative control strains alongside the test organism:
     • Positive Control: Enterobacter cloacae
     • Negative Control: Escherichia coli

Performance Characteristics

• Validated against standard quality control strains to ensure accurate results.
• Consistent and reliable performance across a range of bacterial species.

Kit Specifications

Storage and Stability

• Storage Conditions: Store at 2–8°C in the original packaging. Avoid excessive temperature fluctuations.
• Shelf Life: 2 years from the date of manufacture, as indicated on the label.

Applications

1. Identification of Enterobacteriaceae:
   • Differentiates bacteria based on acetoin production, a key metabolic marker in glucose fermentation.
2. Clinical Microbiology:
   • Aids in the diagnosis of infections caused by Enterobacteriaceae species.
3. Research Laboratories:
   • Useful for characterizing bacterial metabolic pathways and phenotypic traits.

Precautions and Warnings

1. For In Vitro Diagnostic Use (IVD):
   • Intended for laboratory professionals trained in microbiological techniques.
2. Safety Guidelines:
   • Avoid contact with skin and eyes; use protective gloves and eyewear.
   • Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed handling instructions.
3. Specimen Handling:
   • Treat all specimens as potentially infectious and follow biosafety protocols.
4. Result Interpretation:
   • Must be performed by trained professionals in conjunction with clinical history and other diagnostic tests.

Quality Control Strains

Limitations

• Allow at least 20 minutes for color development; premature interpretation may yield false-negative results.
• Copper coloration should be considered a negative result.
• Not intended as a standalone diagnostic; additional confirmatory tests are required.

Regulatory Compliance

• Manufactured under ISO-certified quality systems.
• Meets the requirements of IVDR 2017/746 for in vitro diagnostic devices.

Why Choose Liofilchem® VP (KOH) Reagent Droppers?

• Convenience: Ready-to-use dropper bottles simplify reagent application.
• Reliability: Consistent performance validated with control strains.
• Accuracy: Clear colorimetric results ensure precise interpretation.
• Safety: Compliant with international standards for laboratory diagnostics.

The Liofilchem® VP (KOH) Reagent Droppers are indispensable for laboratories seeking an efficient and reliable solution for the Voges-Proskauer test, enabling accurate bacterial identification and differentiation.