Product Overview
Function of the System
The MECANMED Semi-automated Microbial ID/AST System is an integrated laboratory instrument. It is designed to execute precise bacterial identification (ID) and quantitative antimicrobial susceptibility tes
ting (AST).
The system automates the interpretation of clinical microbial isolates to help labs quickly:
l Specify pathogen species from clinical microbial isolates
l Evaluate minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for targeted clinical therapy
Detection Principles
l Microbial Identification (ID): Utilizes Colorimetry to detect biochemical reactions and metabolic profiles. This process identifies organisms down to species and subspecies levels.
l Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST): Employs Turbidimetry to measure optical density changes during bacterial growth in the presence of varying antibiotic concentrations. This process yields accurate MIC values and S.I.R. (Susceptible, Intermediate, Resistant) classifications.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
1. Isolate Pathogen: Isolate pure pathogen colonies from the primary culture media.
2. Prepare Suspension: Prepare the standard bacterial suspension to the required turbidity.
3. Inoculate Test Cards: Dispense the bacterial suspension into the test card. (Optional: Use the automated sampling unit for auto-inoculation at 60–80 cards/hour.)
4. Incubate: Incubate the inoculated test card for 18–24 hours at 37°C.
5. Read & Analyze: Load the card into the system for optical reading and real-time analysis.
6. Data Output: Generate a customized diagnostic report and sync the results directly to the LIS/HIS.
Why Hospitals & Labs Need This System
Clinical laboratories in emerging markets (Africe, Southeast Asia, etc.) face a compounding crisis.
l Rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
l Strict budget constraints
l Limited bench space
l A shortage of specialized lab technicians
Manual testing is slow, labor-intensive, and prone to human error. It heavily delays treatment decisions for critically ill patients.
The Bacterial Identification Equipment directly resolves these challenges:
l Accelerated Clinical Decisions: The optical system completes card scanning in just 1 minute. Delivers definitive species identification and MIC results within 18–24 hours.
l Cost-Effective & Space-Saving: Replaces bulky, expensive laboratory systems with a compact benchtop design. Fits easily into any space at just 255 × 215 × 213 mm.
l Error-Free Operation: Automated expert system cuts manual steps and operator error.
l Combatting AMR: Advanced MDRO monitoring helps doctors pick targeted antibiotics fast. This supports antibiotic stewardship and improves patient care.
Key Clinical Applications
This AST system easily adapts to diverse clinical and research settings:
1. Regional & Secondary/Tertiary General Hospitals
Semi-automated systems fit primary care clinics and mid-to-regional hospitals. They seek cost-effective, high-precision microbiology analysis without excessive budget strain.
2. Hospital Clinical Microbiology Labs
Broad Specimen Capability:
l Fast Workflow: Streamlines sample processing and rapid pathogen ID
l Multi-Sample Support: Blood, urine, respiratory, stool, and wound samples
3. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) & Public Health Laboratories
Enables active disease surveillance across hospitals and communities. It tracks outbreak risks and monitors drug-resistance trends in real time.
4. Multi-Drug Resistance Screening (MDROs)
Automatically tracks high-risk resistant strains and alerts staff instantly. Covers critical threats like MRSA, ESBL, VRE, VRSA, and HLAR.
5. Medical Colleges & Research Institutions
Supports standard strain ID and hands-on microbiology teaching. It also powers academic research into drug resistance mechanisms.
Technical Specifications
Parameter | Specification |
Testing Principles | l Colorimetry (Identification) l Turbidimetry (Susceptibility Testing) |
Reading Speed | 1 minute / card |
Power Supply | AC 100–240V, 50/60Hz |
Operating Environment | l Temp: 5°C–40°C l Humidity: 0%–80% l Pressure: 76 kPa–106 kPa |
Main Unit Dimensions | 255 × 215 × 213 mm |
Package Dimensions | 360 × 320 × 370 mm |
Net Weight | 4.4 kg |
Gross Weight | 6.2 kg |
Optional Accessory | Automated Sampling Instrument (Innoculation rate: 60–80 cards/hour) |
Product Highlights & Structural Features
Microbial ID/AST Card Features
1. Dual-Principle Precision Testing
l Colorimetry: Precise microbial identification (ID)
l Turbidimetry: Quantitative antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST)
2. High-Resolution Species Identification
l High Precision: Identifies organisms to species and subspecies level
l Extensive Coverage: Database includes nearly 500 routine clinical microbes
3. Broad Antibiotic Coverage
l Broad Coverage: Nearly 200 types of antibiotics available
l Flexible Design: Multi-level dilution concentrations for precise MIC testing
4. Comprehensive Multi-Drug Resistance Monitoring
l Smart Monitoring: Automated tracking of key resistant phenotypes
l Covered Strains: MRSA, ESBLs, VRE, VRSA, HLAR, β-lactamases, and more
Microbial ID/AST System Features
1. Integrated Hardware Design
l Built-in PC: Integrated reader and analyzer with an embedded computer
l Space-Saving: Eliminates external PC towers to free up valuable bench space
2. Latest CLSI Database Integration
l CLSI Alignment: Operating database updated to the latest CLSI guidelines
l Reliable Results: Ensures compliant, standardized MIC and ID interpretation
3. Standardized A/B/C/U Group Reporting
l CLSI Grouping: Automatically categorizes antibiotics into A, B, C, and U groups
l Dual Results: Displays true MIC values alongside standard S.I.R. interpretations
4. Seamless LIS/HIS & WHONET Connectivity
l Lab Integration: Direct bi-directional connection with LIS/HIS networks
l Global Surveillance: Full export support for WHONET disease reporting
5. Multi-Language & User-Friendly Interface
l User-Friendly: Simple, clear design for fast daily operations
l Global Design: Supports multiple languages for effortless lab workflow
Required Consumables & Test Cards
Test Card | Identification Sensitivity Test Range | Package (Card Box and Reagent Box) |
96/120E | Enterobacteriaceae | 10 cards + relevant medium |
96/120NE | Non-fermentative bacteria / Vibrio | 10 cards + relevant medium |
96/120 STAPH | Staphylococcus / Micrococcus | 10 cards + relevant medium |
96/120 STREP | Streptococcus | 10 cards + relevant medium |
96 FUNGUS | Fungi (Yeast-like fungi) | 10 cards + relevant medium |
120 NH | Neisseria / Haemophilus | 10 cards + relevant medium |
120 Coryne | Corynebacterium | 10 cards + relevant medium |
Why Choose MECANMED as Your Supplier?
1. Stable & Continuous Supply of Test Cards & Culture Media Kits
Routine microbial testing needs steady reagent supply. MECANMED ensures long-term supply of all test cards and matching liquid media, preventing stockouts.
2. 1-on-1 Responsive Technical Support
MECANMED make equipment setup/operation easy with step-by-step video guides. Plus, trained technicians offer remote support to answer any questions fast.
3. Complete One-Stop Microbiology Workflow Bundling
Streamline the procurement with a complete microbiology setup from MECANMED. Get the microbial ID/AST system, safety cabinets, and autoclaves in one easy shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which specific clinical infections or conditions are the different test cards designed for?
Each test card matches specific clinical needs. Panels are tailored to the exact pathogen found in the patient sample.
Test Card | Target Organisms | Primary Clinical Infections & Conditions |
96/120E | Enterobacteriaceae | l Urinary tract infections (UTIs) l Gastrointestinal infections l Bloodstream infections (sepsis) l Intra-abdominal infections l Healthcare-associated infections |
96/120NE | Non-fermentative bacteria / Vibrio | l Hospital-acquired pneumonia l Ventilator-associated pneumonia l Severe burn wound infections (Pseudomonas/Acinetobacter) l Waterborne diarrheal diseases (cholera) |
96/120 STAPH | Staphylococcus / Micrococcus | l Skin and soft tissue infections l Surgical site infections l Catheter-related bloodstream infections l Endocarditis l Bacteremia |
96/120 STREP | Streptococcus | l Upper/lower respiratory tract infections (streptococcal pharyngitis, bacterial pneumonia) l Neonatal sepsis l Meningitis l Infective endocarditis |
96 FUNGUS | Fungi (Yeast-like fungi) | l Superficial or systemic fungal infections l Oral thrush l Invasive candidiasis l Opportunistic fungal infections in immunocompromised patients |
120 NH | Neisseria / Haemophilus | l Bacterial meningitis l Sexually transmitted infections (gonorrhea) l Acute otitis media l Epiglottitis l Community-acquired respiratory infections |
120 Coryne | Corynebacterium | l Diphtheria l Opportunistic skin and wound infections l Catheter-associated sepsis l Prosthetic valve endocarditis. |
2. What storage conditions are required for the test cards and culture media upon delivery?
The test cards and accompanying liquid culture media kits are recommended for standard refrigerated storage (typically 2°C–8°C). Sealed packaging protects the test wells against ambient moisture and light before use.
3. Can we customize or adjust the antibiotic list on test reports to match our local hospital guidelines?
Yes. The reporting software allows to adjust reporting formats and select the displayed antibiotic results. It helps the report comply with the hospital prescription guidelines.
4. Can we order test cards and the analyzer together in one shipment?
Absolutely. MECANMED bundle the main unit, optional accessories, and initial test cards into one shipment. This lowers freight costs and streamlines customs clearance.
Upgrade Your Microbiology Diagnostics Today
Streamline bacterial ID and resistance profiling in your lab. Upgrade to MECANMED Semi-automated Microbial ID/AST System.
Contact MECANMED today to request a quote or get a custom test card purchasing plan. Our experts are ready to help you build a complete one-stop lab solution!
