BD 231554 - Taxo Pneumococci Disc, Optochin Susceptibility Test Discs for Streptococcus pneumoniae Identification, 10/PK
The BD 231554 - BD Taxo Pneumococci Disc is a high-quality diagnostic reagent used for the presumptive identification of Streptococcus pneumoniae through the optochin susceptibility test. Manufactured by Becton Dickinson (BD) under the BD Taxo brand, these discs are impregnated with optochin (ethylhydrocupreine hydrochloride), a selective chemical agent that differentiates S. pneumoniae from other alpha-hemolytic streptococci based on susceptibility. The discs are used in clinical microbiology laboratories as part of routine culture-based bacterial identification workflows.
Each BD Taxo Pneumococci Disc is precisely dosed to deliver reliable inhibition zones under standard testing conditions, providing clear and reproducible results for accurate organism identification. The discs are ready-to-use and compatible with standard blood agar culture procedures.
| Manufacturer | 231554 |
| Application | Differentiation Disc |
| Number of Discs | 50 Discs / Cartridge, 10 Cartridges |
| Storage Requirements | Requires Refrigeration |
Key Benefits
The BD Taxo Pneumococci Discs offer rapid, dependable differentiation of S. pneumoniae in laboratory testing. Key benefits include:
- Accurate organism identification: Differentiates Streptococcus pneumoniae from viridans streptococci using optochin sensitivity.
- High consistency: Each disc contains a standardized concentration of optochin for reproducible inhibition zone diameters.
- Ease of use: Ready-to-use format simplifies test setup and minimizes preparation time.
- Reliable performance: Provides clear, easily interpretable inhibition zones for accurate results.
- Quality assured: Manufactured under stringent controls ensuring precise dosage and uniform diffusion properties.
Compatibility and Applications
The BD 231554 Taxo Pneumococci Disc is compatible with standard microbiological culture techniques and media. It is used in the identification of S. pneumoniae from clinical specimens such as sputum, cerebrospinal fluid, blood, or nasopharyngeal swabs. Common applications include:
- Clinical diagnostic testing for respiratory tract and systemic infections.
- Differentiation of S. pneumoniae from viridans group streptococci on blood agar plates.
- Confirmatory testing for presumptive S. pneumoniae colonies following Gram stain and hemolysis observation.
- Routine microbiology workflow in hospitals, public health labs, and reference facilities.
The test is typically performed on 5% sheep blood agar incubated under CO2-enriched conditions.
Usage Guidelines
To perform the test, use aseptic technique to place a BD Taxo Pneumococci Disc on an inoculated 5% sheep blood agar plate containing the suspected organism. Incubate the plate at 3537C in an atmosphere of 510% CO2 for 1824 hours. After incubation, measure the diameter of the zone of inhibition around the disc:
- Zone = 14 mm: Indicates susceptibilitypresumptive identification of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- Zone < 14 mm: Indicates resistancelikely other alpha-hemolytic streptococci.
Always include control strains (e.g., S. pneumoniae ATCC 49619) for quality assurance. Dispose of all culture materials as biohazardous waste according to institutional safety protocols.
Certifications, Safety Standards, and Regulatory Approvals
The BD Taxo Pneumococci Disc is FDA-cleared and CE-marked for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) use. It is produced under ISO 13485:2016-certified quality management systems and complies with CLSI M45 and M100 guidelines for optochin susceptibility testing. Each lot is tested for potency, diffusion consistency, and sterility, ensuring reliable and standardized results across all testing conditions.
Comparison with Competitor Products
Compared to generic optochin discs, BD Taxo Pneumococci Discs offer greater uniformity in diffusion performance and inhibition zone clarity. Many competitor discs may exhibit inconsistent optochin concentration or variable potency, leading to unreliable zone diameters. BDs rigorous manufacturing controls and validated optochin formulation guarantee consistent sensitivity and specificity, making it the preferred choice for laboratories requiring dependable pneumococcal differentiation.
Typical User Profile and Application Scenarios
This product is intended for use by clinical microbiologists, medical technologists, and laboratory professionals in:
- Hospital and diagnostic microbiology laboratories.
- Public health and epidemiology reference centers.
- Research institutions studying respiratory pathogens.
- Academic teaching laboratories conducting microbial identification exercises.
The BD Taxo Pneumococci Disc is particularly valuable in routine identification workflows for suspected pneumococcal isolates from respiratory and invasive infections.
Best Practices for Use and Maintenance
Store BD Taxo Pneumococci Discs at 28C in a tightly closed container to protect against moisture and light. Remove only the number of discs needed for immediate testing. Allow discs to equilibrate to room temperature before use to prevent condensation. Avoid handling discs directly with fingers; use sterile forceps or a disc dispenser. Do not use expired or contaminated discs. Follow proper aseptic procedures during placement and incubation for optimal performance.
Regulatory and Safety Information
The BD 231554 - BD Taxo Pneumococci Disc is classified as an in vitro diagnostic reagent for professional laboratory use. It is non-toxic, non-pyrogenic, and free from hazardous materials under normal laboratory handling conditions. A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) are available upon request from BD, detailing product composition, storage, and handling precautions. The product complies with FDA, CE, and ISO standards applicable to diagnostic microbiological reagents.
How to Order
To order BD 231554 - BD Taxo Pneumococci Disc, add the product to your cart and complete checkout through CIA Medical. We offer competitive pricing, reliable delivery, and technical support for hospitals, diagnostic labs, and public health facilities. For bulk purchases, Certificates of Conformance, or product performance data, contact CIA Medicals customer service team at (312) 275-5850 or use the contact form on this page. Our representatives can assist with availability, documentation, and laboratory compatibility inquiries.
