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FAQs
Does the CultureStat System identify the species of bacteria present in a sample?
No; the CultureStat System detects the presence or non presence of log phase bacteria, but does not identify the type of species in positive samples. Statistically, 85-89% of all samples tested for bacterial infection are negative. Presently hospital and independent laboratories spend significant time and resources testing this high percentage of negative samples. By using the CultureStat System, negative samples can be accurately identified and confirmed much more quickly, and need not be plated. Negative results can be reported back to doctors within a few hours of sample collection, rather than 24-48 hours or longer. Positive results can go to a speciation plate for identification much more quickly with the CultureStat System compared to traditional first-round plating.
Our lab has been testing urines the same way for years, and I am concerned with incorporating the CultureStat System into the work flow of our lab. Will the introduction of the CultureStat System have a detrimental effect on work flow?
Not at all; because the CultureStat System is extremely efficient and simple to use, lab personnel can quickly and easily introduce the system into their work flow with minimal training required. Use of the CultureStat System will significantly reduce the staffing, time and space required for first-round urine culture testing.
How important is it to be able to distinguish between log phase bacteria and lag phase bacteria?
Extremely important! Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria growing in log phase. If a testing methodology cannot distinguish between bacteria in log phase and bacteria not in log phase, it cannot determine whether such bacteria is actually causing an infection in the body. For more information, see Log vs Lag Phase. For a study by an independent laboratory on the CultureStat System’s ability to distinguish between log phase growth and lag phase growth (and the inability of the plating methodology to distinguish between log phase and lag phase growth), see News or click here.
Can the results from the CultureStat System be downloaded to our hospital’s primary database system?
Yes. Results from the CultureStat reader are automatically stored on the database included in the CultureStat database program. The program allows for one-click downloading of results to the hospital’s primary database system, and real-time downloading of data to the hospital’s primary database system is available. Data can also be emailed, searched, sorted, printed and downloaded to Microsoft Excel and other popular software programs. Because the database uses bar code identification of samples, rather than a patient’s name or other recognizable identification information, hospitals can use the program in accordance with their HIPAA compliance programs.
If a sample is positive, can a speciation plate be streaked with urine contained within the CultureStat ampoule, or must the lab maintain the original sample for the purpose of speciation testing?
There is no need to maintain the original sample for speciation testing. If speciation testing is required for a sample, the urine can be used directly from the CultureStat ampoule and streaked onto a speciation plate for identification.
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