Improved Chromogenic Medium Rapidly Screens for MRSA Colonies

This enables prompt initiation of appropriate infection control measures to help minimize further transmission of MRSA.

Inhibitory components in the medium reduces the growth of nontarget organisms, while a novel pink counter-stain ensures that any organisms that do grow are easily distinguished from the distinctive denim blue MRSA colonies.

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Oxoid's (Oxoid Ltd Cambridge, United Kingdom) parent company, has announced the launch of Brilliance MRSA 2 agar. The medium is Oxoid's most sensitive and selective MRSA formulation, minimizing false-positive results, even in low MRSA prevalence settings. It saves time and resources by reducing the need to reincubate plates and minimizing confirmatory testing.

"When screening large numbers of patients, it is really important to be able to detect MRSA quickly and easily,” said James Beaves, clinical product manager, microbiology products. "The refined formulation of Brilliance MRSA 2 Agar is more accurate than ever before. The distinctive blue MRSA colonies are quickly identified and easily differentiated from other organisms that might grow. This allows microbiologists to identify positive patient samples quickly and with confidence so that appropriate action can be taken without delay.”

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