QUAD PLATE RESULTS

OTICELL™ QUAD PLATES

Although bacteria and yeast may be present in normal otic flora, overgrowth may require topical therapy and a true infection may require systemic antibiotics. OTICELL Quad Plates have been designed to help separate and identify the microorganism(s) that are present in an otic sample, especially where a chronic ear problem is evident. This diagnostic information can assist in the selection of medical therapy and allow for additional antimicrobial susceptibility testing where necessary.

A sample was taken from the ear of a two year old goldendoodle that exhibited continual signs of ear irritation. Prior to culturing, the sample was observed microscopically using OTICELL Microbiologic Stain. Yeast cells were identified in the otic sediment. The sample was diluted in Distribution Fluid and applied to each chamber of the OTICELL QUAD Plate. The positive culture results are shown below.

	The chamber to the left contains Sabouraud Dextrose Agar with Chloramphenicol. The positive growth confirmed a large population of yeast was present in the sample. OTICELL Stain was used to again observe the growth microscopically. The culture was confirmed as Malassezia pachydermatis.
	The otic sample also showed the slight presence of Staph aureus with positive and distinctive growth on the Baird Parker Agar.

OTICELL Quad Plates contain four media including: Sabouraud Dextrose Agar with Chloramphenicol, Heart Infusion Blood Agar, Baird Parker Agar and MacConkey Agar. A lab ID Chart containing the deferential growth characteristics and morphology of common microorganisms on each OTICELL Quad media is provided to all our customers.

NOTE: Use OTICELL Stain prior to culturing to identify bacteria, and leukocytes in otic sediment at the time of sample collection.

URINE QUAD PLATES

Lide Labs' Urine Quad Plate is designed for the growth, quantification and identification of urinary tract infections. The plate contains four types of media including: CLED Agar (a media designed for the growth and enumeration of organisms in urine), Heart Infusion Blood Agar (for growth of all organisms and determining hemolysis), CNA Agar (for the promotion of gram-positives at the expense of gram-negatives) and MacConkey Agar (for the growth of gram-negatives with identification).

The photo shown here is an actual plate used in the determination of a clinical diagnosis. An 8 year old cat was brought to Richland Vet Services with symptoms including blood in the urine and inappropriate urination. As part of the examination, urine was collected and applied to our Urine Quad Plate. The plate was incubated and the following observations were made. The chamber containing Blood Agar showed growth expressed as gray colonies that were hemolytic. CLED Agar showed yellow colonies. MacConkey Agar grew red colonies. And, the CNA Agar should no growth. Information obtained from the plate was compared against data provided in our Lab ID Chart which contains deferential growth characteristics and morphology of common bacteria on each Urine Quad media. Based on this, the veterinarian was able to determine that this cat had a urine infection due to E.coli bacteria.

Special thanks to all at Richland Vet Services (Richland Center, WI) for providing the results and photo to us.

NOTE: Use Urine Sediment Stain prior to culturing to identify blood cells, bacteria and other formed elements in urinary sediment at the time of sample collection.

MASTITIS QUAD PLATES

We manufacture two types of Mastitis Quad Plates. Both types have our Heart Infusion Blood Agar in plate chamber 1, TKT/FC Agar in plate chamber 2, and MacConkey Agar in plate chamber 3. The Baird-Parker Agar or our own KLMB Agar is added in the fourth plate position.

Blood Agar is a general, nonselective agar, allowing growth for most organisms. Differentiation is possible through recognition of bacterial growth characteristics and recognition of hemolysis on the Agar. We use Heart Infusion Agar in our plates along with 5% sheep blood as we have found it provides the best, most consistent results for common animal pathogens.

Our TKT/FC Agar is for growth, separation and identification of streptococci organisms while inhibiting growth of other organisms. With the addition of our own Agar formulation and in-lab hemolysin, along with 5% sheep blood, further separation of specific strep bacteria is possible with the recognition of hemolysis on the Agar.

MacConkey Agar is added for growth, separation and identification of gram negative bacteria (primarily coliforms).

Baird-Parker Agar and KLMB Agar both promote growth and separation of staphylococci while inhibiting growth of other organisms. With the addition of our own KLMB hemolysin and 5% sheep blood, our KLMB Agar is also selective for staph types with hemolysis recognition. The photos below show actual results of our plates inoculated with Staph aureus samples after 24 hours of incubation.

Milk Sample Collection Tips

Aseptic techniques are required for all sample collections. Milk samples for mastitis testing can be collected into empty sterile tubes directly from a teat. Wash each teat and clean end with antiseptic wipe. Quarter or combined samples may be taken. Strip out five or more squirts of milk to flush canal. Open sample tube and hold at a 45-degree angle while adding sample. Recap sample container and mark with proper identification. Store samples at 4 degrees C. Test within 72 hours. Freezing samples for longer storage is acceptable for most bacteria, however viability of some organisms (ie. coliforms) may be reduced when frozen.

We produce tubes with Distribution Fluid and Enrichment Broth which can be used to collect, transport and enhance initial growth of samples.

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