microbial diseases laboratory

Test Order - Carbapenemase Gene Detection

Pre-Approval Required

Isolates must be confirmed as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella aerogenes, Enterobacter species or Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

At this time, acceptance of requests for testing of other Enterobacterales or Acinetobacter organisms is on a case by case basis after consultation with HAI program at HAIprogram@cdph.ca.gov or MDL points of contact listed below.

Isolates of Enterobacterales or Acinetobacter other than those listed above, that are submitted without prior consultation will not be tested.

Supplemental Information or Form

Form Lab AST

MDL Expanded Carbapenemase Testing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Performed on Specimens From

Human source

Acceptable Sample/Specimen Type for Testing

Pure culture isolate.

Isolates must be resistant to at least one carbapenem, i.e., imipenem, ertapenem, doripenem, or meropenem.

Isolates must be identified to at least the genus level by the submitter.

Mixed cultures received in MDL will not be tested.

Minimum Volume Required

None

Storage & Preservation of Sample/Specimen Prior to Shipping

Store at ambient temperature

Transport

Ship cultures on nonselective nutrient or similar agar in tubes with leak-proof screw cap closures.

Sample/Specimen Labeling

Testing subject to CLIA regulations require two patient identifiers on the specimen container and the test requisition

Shipping Instructions which Include Specimen Handling Requirements

Ship at ambient temperature.

Test Methodology

Carbapenemase Genotypic Detection: PCR based assay

Expanded AST (ExAST): Test provided through Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory Network (ARLN). Please see MDL Expanded Carbapenemase Testing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) (May 2021) for submission instruction.