Purpose
To perform novobiocin susceptibility testing as an adjunct identification procedure.
Scope
This procedure applies to trained microbiology laboratory personnel working within an approved quality-management and biosafety system.
Principle
A standardized antimicrobial disk or validated system is used to assess the characteristic phenotypic response of selected organisms.
Specimen / Test Material
A suitable pure isolate for which the test is validated.
Equipment and Materials
- Validated susceptibility medium
- Novobiocin test disk or approved system
- Standardized inoculum materials
- Incubation system
- Appropriate controls
Procedure
- Verify isolate purity and test indication.
- Prepare the inoculum according to the validated method.
- Inoculate the approved medium.
- Apply the validated novobiocin disk or system.
- Incubate under approved conditions.
- Measure or assess the reaction according to validated criteria.
- Integrate the result with the identification algorithm.
Quality Control and Quality Assurance
Use appropriate QC organisms and verify media and disk performance.
Reporting
Report the phenotypic reaction according to the validated identification workflow.
Safety
Use risk-based biosafety practices, appropriate personal protective equipment and approved decontamination and waste-disposal procedures. Treat clinical specimens and cultures according to the laboratory's biological risk assessment.
References
- World Health Organization (WHO): Toolkit for Standard Operating Procedures for Bacteriology, Mycology and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing.
- WHO: Laboratory Biosafety Manual, 4th edition.
- WHO guidance on collection, packaging and transport of infectious substances.
- EUCAST methodology and quality-control guidance for antimicrobial susceptibility testing, where applicable.
- Current locally approved laboratory procedures and validated manufacturer instructions.