Novel Rapid Test for Detecting Carbapenemase

Abstract

We developed a carbapenemase test based on the ability of imipenem to inhibit noncarbapenemase β-lactamases. The test uses bacterial isolates with a fluorescent β-lactamase substrate, producing objective results with 100% sensitivity and specificity in 10 minutes. The assay is inexpensive and consists of only 1 mixing step.

Keywords

• Laboratory diagnosis
• carbapenemase
• gram-negative bacteria
• fluorescence
• bacteria
• rapid test