Background
CHROMagarTM MH Orientation is a chromogenic Mueller Hinton agar designed to expedite results by combining species differentiation and antibiotic susceptibility testing. This allows for same-day results in identification and susceptibility, unlike traditional methods that take 48 hours. A 2008 evaluation by AB Biodisk confirmed that using this medium with Etest provides same-day results.

Applications

• Ventilated Associated Pneumonia (VAP): Used for ICU patients, this method allows rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing, crucial for optimizing therapy.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTI): Enables direct testing of urine samples, confirming or adjusting empirical therapy based on same-day results.

Medium Performance

• 2 IN 1: Allows chromogenic identification and antibiotic susceptibility on the same plate.
• Fast Results: Results can be read after overnight incubation for many microorganisms/antibiotics.
• Easy Plate Reading: Chromogenic reactions clearly define diameters and inhibition zones.

Medium Description

• Powder Base Total: 39.4 g/L
• Agar: 17.0 g/L
• Peptones & Growth Factors: 21.0 g/L
• Chromogenic Mix: 1.4 g/L
• Storage: 15/30°C, pH: 7.1 ± 0.2, Shelf Life: 2 years

Supplement

• Growth and Regulator Factors: 4 ml/L, Storage at 15/30°C, Shelf Life: 3 years

Procedure
Direct spreading with incubation for 18-24 hours at 37°C under aerobic conditions. For detailed preparation, refer to the Instructions For Use (IFU).

Antibiogram Plate Reading

• E.coli: Dark pink to reddish
• Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Citrobacter: Metallic blue

References
1. Engelhardt A. et al, Rapid Etest® MIC Testing Using CHROMagar™ And Mueller Hinton Agar For Gram Positive And Gram Negative Aerobes – ECCMID 2008
2. E.Cercenado et al, Evaluation of direct E-test on lower respiratory tract samples using a chromogenic agar medium: a rapid procedure for antimicrobial susceptibility testing ECCMID 2009

For more information, visit www.CHROMagar.com.