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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.
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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. |
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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.

Staph aureus
on Mastitis Quad Plate with Baird-Parker Agar
Note black colonies
on Baird-Parker Agar (upper left chamber) and smooth, white
hemolytic growth on BAP (lower left). No growth on MacConkey
(upper right) and only slight growth on TKT/FC (lower right).
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Staph
aureus on Mastitis Quad Plate with KLMB Agar
Note growth of
colonies with beta hemolysis on KLMB Agar (upper left) and
smooth white, hemolytic growth on BAP (lower left). No
growth on MacConkey (upper right) and only slight growth
on TKT/FC (lower right).
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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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