\Utilization of an immunochromatographic lateral flow assay for rapid detection of carbapenemase production in gram negative bacilli

\Background: Rapid detection of carbapenemase production in gram negative bacilli has important treatment considerations. Objective: We evaluated a lateral flow assay (LFA) for carbapenemase production compared with molecular detection of 5 (bla(KPC), bla(NDM), bla(VIM), bla(IMP), and bla(OXA-48)) carbapenemase genes. Methods: A total of 218 carbapenem nonsusceptible strains, including species of Enterobacterales, Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from clinical cultures were tested using the Cepheid Xpert Carba-R assay and the NG Biotech Carba-5 lateral flow immunoassay. Results: Overall agreement with LFA was 98.2% with accuracy for each target >99% compared with polymerase chain reaction. Results were available within 15 minutes compared with 1 hour for molecular detection. Conclusion: The use of accurate, rapid diagnostics compliments antimicrobial stewardship programs.