BacterChrom™ CARBA Agar

Ready-to-use chromogenic medium on 90mm plates for detecting and isolating carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE).
Code: 01011
Packaging: 10 plates/box or as per customer requirements.
Storage Conditions: 2–8°C.
Transportation: Ambient temperature.
Shelf Life: 03 months from the date of manufacture.

INTENDED USE

BacterChrom™ CARBA Agar is a selective and differential chromogenic culture medium, intended for use in the qualitative direct detection of gastrointestinal colonization with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteria (CRE), including OXA-48 producers, to aid in the prevention and control of CRE in healthcare settings.
The packaging with semi-permeable Cellophane film helps balance the humidity of the environment during storage.

PRINCIPLES

This medium operates based on chromogenic substrates that allow easy differentiation of CRE.
Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE): Enzymatic activity is detected through chromogenic reactions.
Specificity: Differentiates CRE based on colony colors:
- coli (CPE): Dark pink to reddish.
- Coliforms (CPE): Metallic blue.
- Other Gram-negative organisms (CPO): Cream or translucent colonies.

Allow to warm to room temperature before inoculation, dry the plates in an incubator with the covers partially removed.
Direct streaking sample onto the plate
Incubate in aerobic conditions at 35 – 37 °C for 18 – 24 hour

RESULTS

Microorganism	Typical colony apprearance
CPE* E. coli	dark pink to reddish
CPE Coliforms	metallic blue
CPO* Pseudomonas	translucent, +/- natural pigmentation cream to green
CPO Acinetobacter	cream
Other Gram (-) CPO	colourless, natural pigmentation
Non-CPE E. coli/Coliforms	inhibited
Other Gram (-) non-CPO	inhibited
Gram (+) bacteria	inhibited

BacterLab ensures the quality of each product batch by testing with ATCC reference strains.