The OxA oxalic acid reagent kit from Alpha-Tec Systems, Vancouver, Wash, offers a complete specimen processing system to digest, neutralize, and resuspend clinical specimens properly for the improved recovery of Mycobacterium spp from specimens containing Pseudomonas spp.
Studies have shown that Pseudomonas aeruginosa exists in the respiratory tracts of approximately 80% of patients with cystic fibrosis, and isolates can survive the most commonly used sputum decontamination method, NaOH with NALC. As a result, recommendations call for the treatment of respiratory secretions with NaOH and then oxalic acid to decrease the incidence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa overgrowth.
By controlling pH throughout the specimen preparation process, reagents found in the kit improve the efficiency of acid-fast bacillus diagnostics and reduce the occurrence of contaminated and reprocessed samples. All reagents are pre-aliquoted with open-and-pour volumes to standardize processing protocols and eliminate cross-contamination. A long shelf life of 24 months eliminates wasted product. Packaged in a unique tray designed for convenient use in the bio-safety cabinet, reagents store at room temperature.
For more information, visit Alpha-Tec Systems.
