• Sample Details 10mg freeze-dried sample in glass vial Samples may include S. aureus, S. pseudintermedius, S. intermedius and coagulase negative staphylococci for species identification, determination of methicillin susceptibility and identification of MRSA.
  • Method Culture/PCR

Overview

The purpose of the scheme is to help participants monitor their performance in correctly identifying Staphylococcus aureus using culture techniques and determine those that are Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The panel issued will contain pure isolates of MRSA-negative or positive Staphylococcus species.

Result input

Results are returned through our electronic reporting system.

Speciation: Coagulase – Slide, Coagulase Tube, Coagulase – Other, Staphylococcus species

Susceptibility: PBP2 agglutination result, Genetic Test – mecA, Genetic Test – others, Cefoxitin susceptibility – Quantitative result (MIC or Zone diameter), Breakpoint used for resistance (MIC or Zone diameter), Cefoxitin resistant, Is the isolate MRSA

Results deadline (from date of shipping)

21 days

PT Report

Authorised report will be published electronically. These will show intended result and results from all participants

Accreditation Status

ISO/IEC 17043 Conformity assessment – General requirements for proficiency testing.

Health and Safety

This material is for in vitro use only, not for use in animals.

Import Permit

It is the responsibility of the participants to check with their customs authority if an import permit is required to import VETQAS® PT samples. If a permit is required, we must receive a valid copy of the permit before the scheduled distribution date. Please note, if we do not receive the permit by the scheduled distribution date the samples will not be shipped and there will be no refund.

Provision of external services

Aspects of the Proficiency Testing schemes may at times be performed by a competent external service provider, for which VETQAS® is responsible.

Additional Information

This scheme has two objectives:

1) Correctly identify all staphylococcal strains and determine their methicillin susceptibility

2) Correctly determine which of the strains are MRSA

The nomenclature of Staphylococcus intermedius has recently changed and most isolates formerly called S. intermedius from dogs are now properly called S. pseudintermedius (Devriese 2009). For the purposes of the PT exercise, where a S. intermedius is included in the panel, identification of isolates belonging to the S. intermedius group to the level of S. intermedius, S. pseudintermedius and S. delphini is not required and isolates can be identified to the “intermedius complex” level.