New Panel Tests Antibiotic Susceptibility

A new, dried minimun inhibitory concentration (MIC) panel provides antibiotic susceptibility testing for a range of 18 antibiotics.

Increasingly, highly resistant strains of bacteria are developing, making early prescribing decisions critical to a good outcome. The panel can test all pneumococcal and streptococcal isolates, unlike dried products that have clearance for only testing Streptococcus pneumoniae. The panel also features an expanded number of drugs recommended for treatment of these infections. The ability of the panel to utilize MIC testing is an advantage because this method is especially helpful in managing serious infections, says the developer, Dade Behring, Inc. (Deerfield, IL, USA).

The panel is called MicroStrep plus. While some methods of antibiotic susceptibility testing involve labor-intensive manual steps with inherent interpretive variability, the panel's clear-cut end points are designed to help laboratorians provide precise, accurate results, states Dade Behring. In addition to using the panel for data to assist in reaching more accurate prescription decisions, researchers may find it useful in studying emerging resistance.

"To the health-care professional today, identifying an antibiotic that is an effective treatment option is extremely important,” noted Bob Brightfelt, president, global research and development, Dade Behring. "We are extremely concerned about antibiotic resistance, particularly since it represents a growing proportion of the clinical laboratory's daily workload.”




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