Liofilchem® Nitrate Test

The Liofilchem® Nitrate Test is a rapid and reliable test designed to determine the ability of microorganisms to reduce nitrates to nitrites or other nitrogen derivatives. This qualitative biochemical assay is essential for bacterial identification, particularly for differentiating Enterobacteriaceae and identifying species such as Neisseria, Moraxella, and Corynebacterium.

Key Features:

1. Comprehensive Kit:
   • Includes all necessary reagents and media for nitrate reduction testing:
     • 30 tubes with dehydrated culture medium containing potassium nitrate.
     • 1 bottle of N,N-Dimethyl-alpha-naphthylamine reagent (3 mL).
     • 1 bottle of Sulphanilic acid reagent (3 mL).
2. Versatile Application:
   • Identifies nitrate-reducing bacteria among gram-negative bacilli, Neisseria, and gram-positive rods like Corynebacterium.
   • Differentiates nitrate-reducing microorganisms from those that do not produce nitrites.
3. Reliable Results:
   • Positive reaction: Red-orange color after reagent addition or no color change following zinc dust.
   • Negative reaction: No color change after reagents but a red-orange color following zinc dust.
4. Rapid Workflow:
   • Results available within 2 minutes after reagent addition or 10 minutes after zinc dust, enabling quick diagnostics.
5. CE-Marked:
   • Certified for in vitro diagnostic use, meeting regulatory standards for clinical laboratories.

Applications:

1. Clinical Diagnostics:
   • Identifies nitrate-reducing bacteria in clinical specimens.
   • Differentiates species within Enterobacteriaceae, Neisseria spp., and others.
2. Research and Public Health:
   • Studies bacterial respiration and nitrate metabolism.
   • Assists in pathogen identification in environmental and food microbiology.
3. Industrial Microbiology:
   • Supports quality control in pharmaceutical and food production microbiology.

Specifications:

Test Procedure:

1. Preparation:
   • Allow kit components to reach room temperature.
   • Add 0.2 mL of physiological solution to a test tube.
2. Inoculation:
   • Heavily inoculate with a microbial suspension equivalent to 0.5 McFarland turbidity standard (1–2 x 10⁸ CFU/mL).
3. Incubation:
   • Incubate at 35 ± 2°C for a minimum of 2 hours and up to 24 hours.
4. Reagent Addition:
   • Add 1 drop of N,N-Dimethyl-alpha-naphthylamine reagent and 1 drop of Sulphanilic acid reagent.
   • Observe for red-orange color within 2 minutes.
5. Negative Reaction Confirmation:
   • Add a small quantity of zinc dust to the medium if no color change is observed.
   • Observe for red-orange color within 10 minutes.

Interpretation of Results:

Quality Control:

Advantages:

1. Rapid and Accurate:
   • Provides clear and reliable results, minimizing diagnostic delays.
2. Ease of Use:
   • Simple workflow with pre-measured reagents and easy result interpretation.
3. Flexible Applications:
   • Suitable for standalone nitrate tests or as part of a larger biochemical identification workflow.
4. Validated Performance:
   • Tested with reference strains to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Storage and Handling:

• Store at 2°C to 8°C in its original packaging.
• Discard reagents if signs of deterioration or contamination are observed.

Intended Use:

The Liofilchem® Nitrate Test is an in vitro diagnostic device (IVD) designed for professional laboratory use in clinical, research, and industrial microbiology applications. It aids in bacterial identification by evaluating nitrate reduction.

Product Details:

References:

1. Ewing, 1986. Identification of Enterobacteriaceae. 4th ed. Elsevier Science Publishing.
2. MacFaddin, 1980. Biochemical Tests for Identification of Medical Bacteria. 2nd ed. Williams & Wilkins.
3. Finegold and Baron, 1986. Bailey and Scott’s Diagnostic Microbiology. 7th ed.

The Liofilchem® Nitrate Test is a trusted and essential tool for bacterial identification, offering rapid, reliable, and clear results in clinical and research settings. Its ease of use and proven accuracy make it indispensable for microbiologists worldwide.