Frequently Asked Questions

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Up to 43 real samples can be performed on one complete assay run, (plus controls). Therefore over 120 samples can comfortably be run in a traditional "8 hour shift".

Hands-on time is approximately 1 minute per sample. A full run including controls would take approximately 45 minutes. More than half of this time is preparation of reagents.

This assay is validated for nasal and groin swabs only.

This assay is validated for individual swab samples only.

This assay is validated with the Medical Wire Transtube-Amies Transport swab. These swabs are available from 3M.

The processor requires a daily shut down procedure carried out in steps that can be fitted around the routine lab work. Hands-on time is less than five minutes. A pump calibration has to be carried out quarterly which takes about 10 minutes to perform.

The reader requires a system clean to be carried out once a week in steps that can also be fitted around the routine lab work. Hands-on time is approximately ten minutes.

The system requires a preventative maintenance inspection every six months. Preventative maintenance and all aspects of field service are the responsibility of 3M's dedicated Field Service Team.

The current configuration of the software is not compatible with LMS but compatible software is under development.

The 3M BacLite Rapid MRSA Test is made up of several components – broth & supplements, reagents pack, microtitre plates & plate seals. The broths, supplements & plates are available in packs of 10. Each of these and one reagent pack are used for one run up to 43 samples including controls. The supplemented broth must be discarded after one working day. One microtitre plate is used for each run regardless of sample number. However, the reagents pack may be refrigerated and reused the following day.

On most selective media, a strong positive would be detected the next day but it generally requires 48 hours before a negative can be confirmed. The BacLite Rapid MRSA Test is a rapid screening test designed to provide a negative or positive result in five hours.

The assay is a qualitative test and will state whether the sample is positive or negative. The embedded algorithm in the software checks a series of performance related factors, including five separate quality control features, before results are displayed.

It is highly recommended that the suggested strains are used in the assay. These strains have been selected on the basis of their antibiogram in relation to the antibiotics used in the assay.

The antibiotics used are cefoxitin (2mg/l) and colistin (50mg/l). Cefoxitin is widely accepted as the marker antibiotic of choice for oxacillin resistance. Colistin is present to add another level of specificity by reducing the numbers of gram negative organisms.

This test is a screening test and, like other methods, where a high load of bacteria may be present, non-MRSAs may bind to the capture reagent causing some false positives to occur. The antibody used in the assay is similar to latex agglutination tests for S. aureus except that in addition, a selective step is carried out prior to capture.

No, it is recommended that broths are stored in an unopened condition at room temperature 2-25° C away from direct sunlight

The performance characteristics for diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for nasal swabs are:

Sensitivity:	94.6%
Specificity:	96.9%

The performance characteristics for diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for groin swabs are:

Sensitivity:	95.9 %
Specificity:	88.8%

Refer to the 3M BacLite Rapid MRSA Test package insert for detailed product information.