INTENDED USE
- BacterChromTM KPC 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) to aid in the prevention and control of CRE in healthcare settings.
- The medium can also be used as an early warning indicator for diagnostic tests of infections to signal the possible presence of multi drugresistant bacteria. BacterChromTM KPC Agar is not intended to diagnose CRE infection nor to guide nor monitor treatment for infections.
- The packaging with semi-permeable Cellophane film helps balance the humidity of the environment during storage.
PRINCIPLES
- KPC carbapenemase, initially identified in Klebsiella pneumoniae, is now found in various Gram-negative bacteria, including Serratia spp., Enterobacter spp., E. coli, Citrobacter freundii, and Salmonella enterica. These enzymes confer resistance to multiple beta-lactam antibiotics, including carbapenems, which are critical in treating Gram-negative infections
- BacterChromTM KPC Agar contains selective agents to inhibit non-carbapenemase-producing organisms and differentiate carbapenemase producers:
- Pink to red colonies: coli (indole testing recommended).
- Metallic blue colonies: Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Serratia.
- Colorless colonies: Acinetobacter spp., Salmonella spp.
- Translucent colonies with wrinkled edges: Pseudomonas spp.
- This medium acts as a screening tool, with further confirmatory testing required per CLSI guidelines.