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BBL™ DrySlide™ Nitrocefin is used for detecting β-lactamase production by bacteria.

The chromogenic cephalosporin beta-lactamase test is a qualitative procedure for detecting the production of beta-lactamase by bacteria. The reaction is based on the production of a colored compound when the substrate, nitrocefin, is exposed to a β-lactamase-producing culture.¹

The enzyme, beta-lactamase, originally described by Abraham and Chain,² is produced by various organisms and is a mechanism of their resistance to penicillins and cephalosporins.³ Test methods used to detect β-lactamase include iodometric, acidimetric and chromogenic cephalosporin procedures.^4-7

Some staphylococci may require induction (exposure to a β-lactam agent) to increase production of β-lactamase to detectable levels. According to standard references, any negative β-lactamase test result from a non-induced stapylococcal isolate, despite the test method, should be confirmed by induction of the isolate and repeat testing.⁸

BBL DrySlide Nitrocefin employs nitrocefin, a cephalosporin compound first described by Glaxo Research (Middlesex, England), in the chromogenic cephalosporin test methodology.

Identity Specifications — Each pouch contains 1 slide mount and 1 desiccant container. Each slide mount has 4 yellow reaction areas.

Performance Response — Perform β-lactamase test using BBL DrySlide Nitrocefin following above procedure with the test organisms listed below.

Quality control requirements must be performed in accordance with applicable local, state and/or federal regulations or accreditation requirements and your laboratory's standard Quality Control procedures. It is recommended that the user refer to pertinent NCCLS guidance and CLIA regulations for appropriate Quality Control practices.

BBL DrySlide Nitrocefin is a disposable slide having four filter paper reaction areas containing nitrocefin.

For in vitro Diagnostic Use.

Handle BBL DrySlide Nitrocefin only by the slide mount; do not touch the reaction area.

Follow proper established laboratory procedures in handling and disposing of infectious materials.