Hardy Diagnostics Offers Improved Media to Detect MRSA

Hardy Diagnostics, an ISO certified biomedical firm, announces the release of HardyCHROM MRSA, a selective and differential chromogenic medium recommended for the qualitative detection of nasal colonization by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This plated culture medium represents a cost-effective aid in the prevention and control of MRSA infections in healthcare settings. The test is performed on nasal swabs from patients and healthcare workers to screen for MRSA colonization. Additional testing is necessary for susceptibility reporting or epidemiological typing.

MRSA strains grown in the presence of chromogenic substrates on HardyCHROM agar produce distinct deep pink to magenta colonies. Selective agents will inhibit non-MRSA strains. Additional ingredients have been added to increase the sensitivity and specificity of the medium by inhibiting gram-negative organisms, yeast, and most other Gram-positive cocci. Read-out is facilitated by the intense, easy-to-read color development of the colonies. Results are achieved in as little as 16 to 24 hours.

Hardy Diagnostics is an FDA licensed and ISO 13485 certified manufacturer of medical devices for microbiological procedures in both clinical and industrial laboratories. The company manufactures more than 3,000 products for the culture and identification of bacteria and fungi from its Santa Maria, Calif. headquarters.