HardyCHROM CRE

HardyCHROM™ CRE is a selective and differential chromogenic agar medium intended for the qualitative and presumptive detection from stool specimens of Escherichia coli that are non-susceptible to carbapenems as pink colonies and KES (Klebsiella aerogenes, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae complex, and Serratia marcescens) that are non-susceptible to carbapenems as blue colonies.

HardyCHROM™ CRE is intended as an aid in the detection, identification of colonization and control of these bacteria in a healthcare setting. HardyCHROM™ CRE is not intended to diagnose infection or guide therapy. Results can be interpreted after incubation for 18-24 hours. Subculture to non-selective medium is required for confirming identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and epidemiological typing.

A lack of growth or the absence of pink or blue colonies on HardyCHROM™ CRE does not preclude the presence of Escherichia coli and KES that are non-susceptible to carbapenems.

• Non-susceptible E. coli produces colonies that are rose to magenta in color with darker pink centers.

• Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and Serratia spp. produce large, dark blue colonies (with or without a pink halo), are presumptive positive for carbapenem non-susceptible KES (Klebsiella aerogenes, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae complex, and Serratia marcescens).

• Colonies that are not pink to magenta, blue, or blue with pink halos are negative – No carbapenem non-susceptible Escherchia coli or KES detected.