BECTON, DICKINSON RECEIVES 510(k) CLEARANCE FOR SIMPLIFIED MRSA TEST

Becton, Dickinson and Co. has received FDA 510(k) clearance for its BBL CHROMagar product for the detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

BBL CHROMagar MRSA utilizes a new chromogenic technology which permits the detection of MRSA using chromogenic substrates and a cephalosporin. MRSA strains will grow in the presence of antibiotics and produce mauve-colored colonies resulting from hydrolysis of the chromogenic substrates.

This new medium simplifies the process, decreases the time to result and offers high sensitivity and specificity MRSA identification. According to the company, the BBL CHROMagar MRSA allows for the detection and identification of most MRSA within 24 hours.