EVALUATION OF THE NEW DRYSLIDE(TM) BETA-LACTAMASE TEST

Four hundred thirteen recent clinical isolates of Staphylococcus, Haem ophilus, Moraxella, and Neisseria species were tested for beta-lactama se production using the Difco DrySlide(TM) beta-lactamase test. These results were compared with those of the BBL Cefinase(TM) reagent. Of t he 413 isolates tested, 258 (62.5%) were beta-lactamase positive. Ther e was 99.8% agreement between the two test methods; only one isolate o f Staphylococcus aurens was DrySlide-negative and Cefinase-positive. T he DrySlide beta-lactamase reagent is an accurate and convenient forma t for the evaluation of beta-lactamase activity in the clinical labora tory.