ESBL Test Kit for Hygiene Control
The ESBL diagnostic takes the form of a liquid broth that is capable of detecting the presence of ESBLs in patient swabs. A positive test is confirmed with a simple change in the colour of the broth - which is easily visible. This diagnostic broth is a cheap and sensitive method for screening patients for ESBLs upon admission to hospitals and nursing homes.
The ESBL Broth has been trialled at several London hospitals. Results obtained show that the ESBL Broth is a low cost and fast method to screen large patient populations i n high dependency patient units and elderly peoples' homes:
- Detection of ESBL producers within 18 hours of sampling
- Inoculation can be done at the bedside thus reducing the dependency on hospital laboratory resources
- Analysis of colour change readout is fast and simple
How the ESBL Broth works:
A perineal or rectal swab sample is briefly agitated in a small volume (5 ml) of the broth. This can be done by a healthcare worker at the patient's bedside. The swab is discarded and the preinoculated broths are sent to the laboratory for incubation. Upon inoculation, the broth is cultured for 18-24 hours at 37 degree centigrade. The presence of ESBL-producing bacteria is indicated by a colour change of the broth from red to yellow.
This product has been licensed to Clarity Biosolutions Ltd and is currently in development. Click here for more information.
