Liofilchem™ MTS™ Imipenem IMI 0.016-256, MIC Test strips

The Liofilchem™ MTS™ Imipenem IMI 0.016-256 MIC Test Strips are gradient diffusion-based tools for the quantitative determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) of Imipenem, a carbapenem-class antibiotic. These strips are specifically designed for the susceptibility testing of Gram-negative bacteria to detect carbapenem resistance and guide treatment.

Key Features

1. Broad MIC Range:
   • Covers MIC values from 0.016 to 256 µg/mL, enabling detection of both sensitive and highly resistant strains.
2. Quantitative Results:
   • Provides exact MIC values, simplifying susceptibility categorization as per CLSI and EUCAST guidelines.
3. High Sensitivity:
   • Detects resistance caused by carbapenemase production, porin loss, and efflux pump overexpression.
4. Ease of Use:
   • Standardized format compatible with Mueller-Hinton agar and easy-to-interpret gradient zones.
5. Versatility:
   • Applicable to Enterobacterales, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter spp., and other Gram-negative bacteria.

Technical Specifications

Testing Procedure

1. Preparation:
   • Prepare a bacterial suspension equivalent to 0.5 McFarland standard.
   • Spread evenly over Mueller-Hinton agar plates using a sterile swab.
2. Application:
   • Place the Imipenem MIC Test Strip onto the agar surface with sterile forceps.
3. Incubation:
   • Incubate the plate at 35–37°C for 16–20 hours in aerobic conditions.
4. Interpretation:
   • Observe the ellipse-shaped inhibition zone and read the MIC value at the point where the zone intersects the test strip's gradient scale.

Quality Control Data

• Positive Controls: Confirm accurate detection of carbapenem resistance.
• Negative Controls: Validate susceptibility with non-resistant strains.

Interpretation of Results

Advantages

Control Data References

The following studies and guidelines ensure the quality and reliability of the Liofilchem™ MTS™ Imipenem MIC Test Strips:

1. CLSI M100:
   • Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing.
2. EUCAST Guidelines:
   • European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Breakpoints.
3. ISO 20776:
   • International Organization for Standardization Standards for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing.

Table: Summary of MIC Ranges

Conclusion

The Liofilchem™ MTS™ Imipenem IMI 0.016-256 MIC Test Strips are invaluable tools for the detection of carbapenem resistance in clinical microbiology. Their precision, compatibility with international standards, and ease of use make them ideal for laboratories monitoring antimicrobial resistance.