Features
dip paddle method
thick media
nail heads on paddle

Benefits
negatives are easily screened out
resulting in faster negative reports
eliminates the work of labeling & streaking out 2 media plates which saves time & money
no waiting time between collection of samples & inoculation of media
will not dry out before expiry date resulting in longer shelf life
holds media on the paddle making for a reliable product
 

Description of different culture media used on Dip N Count® dip paddles
 MacConkey Agar with Crystal Violet
A selective and differential medium which supports growth of gram negative bacteria and inhibits that of most gram positive bacteria.

Eosin Methylene Blue - Levine
(E.M.B. - Levine) Agar
A selective and differential medium for gram negative lactose fermenting enteric bacilli. It also gives excellent differentiation of Escherichia coli from Enterobacter aerogenes.

Cystine Lactose Electrolyte Deficient
(C.L.E.D.) Agar
The medium was first described by MacKey and Sandys specifically for use in dip inoculum procedures for urinary bacteriology. The electrolyte deficient nature of the medium prevents the characteristic swarming of Proteus. Inclusion of lactose allows differentiation of lactose fermenting bacteria by changing the color of the medium from pale green to yellow.

Dip N Count® dip paddle is a semi-quantitative culture test for the detection of URINARY TRACT INFECTION and is available in various culture media combinations.

Directions For Use
  1. Collect a clean catch midstream specimen of a first morning urine in a sterile container.
  2. Unscrew cap/dip paddle from the vial, taking care not to touch the agar.
  3. Immerse the paddle in the urine, making sure that the media are totally wetted. Never pour urine into the Dip N Count® container.
  4. Remove the paddle from the urine. Allow the excess urine to drain from the paddle by touching the end of the paddle against the wall of the vial.
  5. Return the cap/dip paddle to the vial, close tightly and complete the patient label.
  6. Incubate the inoculated unit in an upright position at 35°C for 18-24 hours.
  7. Compare the number of colonies visible on the paddle with the Colony Density Chart and determine the number of bacteria present per volume of urine.

Interpretation of results
Refer to Colony Color Chart for aid in presumptive identification. Additional biochemical tests are necessary for definite identification.

Less than 104 CFU/ml (10 x 106 CFU/l) usually indicates an absence of infection. An exception is urine obtained by catherization or puncture, in which case less than 104 may indicate the presence of infection.
104 to 105 CFU/ml (10 x 106 to 100 x 106 CFU/l) is considered to be a borderline case and it is recommended that in this case the test be repeated, since chronic and relapsing infections may give rise to counts of this order.
More than 105 CFU/ml (100 x 106 CFU/l) indicates an infection. Identification tests should be performed.
Note: When the bacterial count is high, the surfaces of the media are covered by a confluent growth which may be over-looked. Consequently, it is recommended that all surfaces should be examined against reflected light. The lack of reflection indicates a confluent growth. This also will enable detection of small colonies. When the colony count on the two media are different, the higher count should be considered.

Limitation of Procedure
If the patient is under antibiotic treatment, the test may show a lower count than the actual condition. Therefore, dip paddle tests for urinary tract infection should only be done at least 48 hours after cessation of antibiotic administration.

However, if the test reveals a significant growth of bacteria during a course of antibiotic treatment this would indicate that the antimicrobial treatment is not effective against the organisms in the urine. Follow-up treatment by physician may be required.

Quality Assurance
Each lot of Dip N Count® product is tested, where applicable, according to "Quality Assurance for Commercially Prepared Microbiological Culture Media" recommended by NCCLS. The same guideline can be consulted if users decide to perform their own quality check on the product.

Storage
Dip N Count® units should be stored at 4°C - 25°C for optimum shelf life. Avoid freezing and strong light. Rotate stocks. Check dating.

Precautions
Do not use if media are dehydrated or contaminated. Do not use after expiry date. Do not touch surfaces of dip paddle. If this occurs, discard the unit. Bacterial growth on the inoculated Dip N Count® dip paddles are potential pathogenic microorganisms. Use safe laboratory practices in handling inoculated units.

Disposal
Disposal of inoculated dip paddle should comply with state and local laws, and according to safe laboratory practices.

*Industrial Applications also available
A Dip N Count® paddle consisting of Malt Extract Agar with Lactic Acid and Tryptone Glucose Extract Agar with 1% T.T.C. Solution is available. This paddle works well for food processing and industrial hygiene monitoring. It provides information on the total bacterial count and yeasts/mold in one convenient unit. Product Code: B3OUBF

 

View our Dip N Count® Brochure for more product information, including product codes and descriptions.

View our Dip N Count® Colour Reference Chart for more details.



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