Purpose
To perform optochin 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 optochin disk or validated system produces a characteristic growth response in selected organisms under controlled test conditions.
Specimen / Test Material
A suitable pure isolate for which the method is validated.
Equipment and Materials
- Validated culture medium
- Optochin test disk or approved system
- Standardized inoculum materials
- Incubation system
- Appropriate controls
Procedure
- Verify isolate purity and test indication.
- Prepare and inoculate the approved medium.
- Apply the validated optochin disk or system.
- Incubate under approved conditions.
- Measure or assess the reaction using validated criteria.
- Integrate the result with other identification findings.
Quality Control and Quality Assurance
Use appropriate QC organisms and monitor media and disk performance.
Reporting
Report the result according to the validated identification algorithm.
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.