Identification with Vitek 2 Compact

[miles500]

Hello,
I was wondering if you guys could help me out.

I have a Vitek 2 Compact which I currently am only using to ID gram positive cocci bacteria however I'm looking to expand into using it to identify gram negative bacteria as well.

There are 2 cards available for this, the GN (Gram negative bacteria) card and the NH (Neisseria-Haemophilus) card. Am I expected to use both cards to identify the bacteria or is there a simple initial test to distinguish which card to use.

Sometimes I get Neisseria species in the lab which don't seen to be on the GN card identifiable bacteria list.

http://industry.biomerieux-usa.com/industry/pharmaceutical/vitek2compact/index.htm
This is a link to the Biomerieux website although I can't find any information about the NH card that they produce on there.


Thank you very much for any help!

Miles

[canalon]

I am not a specialist in lab techniques, but before going to the Vitek you should already have an idea of the genus or the group of bacteria you are looking for, No? I mean you already used specific selective media and you want confirmation. So you chose the right card simply because you expect the Gram negative bacteria growing on your chocolate agar (or whatever you use) to be Neisseria or haemophilus.

[miles500]

Hi Canalon and thank you for your reply.

The lab I work in needs a quick ID so really all I really have time for is the gram stain. Also chocolate agar is not something we could make up due to the requirement of blood.

I was wondering if anyone knew of a simple stain or test kit that could decide which card would be best to use.

Perhaps a more detailed morphology look at the gram stain would also be benefical, but it is hard to train these skills to a newcomer.

Thanks

[canalon]

But how do you get your bacteria? the plate they have been isolated with should already help you. Or do youu have just unidentified glycerol stocks

[miles500]

Unfortunately it's just TSA or similar.

[canalon]

I am surprised that those 2 bacteria would even grow on TSA. They require iron in some form (usually blood) and 5%CO2 it is not as if they would grow on any plate put in the incubator.