Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Written by: Solaris Diagnostics

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative rod that grows in aerobic conditions. It is a multidrug-resistant pathogen associated with hospital-acquired infections, ventilator-associated pneumonia, sepsis, and urinary tract infections. This bacterium is considered an opportunistic organism because it can cause very serious infections in those with preexisting conditions – most notably cystic fibrosis and immunocompromised patients. When P. aeruginosa colonizes critical body organisms such as the lungs, kidneys, and urinary tract, the infection can be fatal without antibiotic intervention. It is very important to administer treatment based on laboratory sensitivities. A sample should be collected from the infection site, cultured, identified, and tested against many different antibiotic classes for sensitivity.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a citrate, catalase, and oxidase positive organism. It also produces indophenol oxidase, which renders a positive oxidase test result – distinguishing P. aeruginosa from other gram-negative rods. On sheep blood agar, P. aeruginosa has a metallic, blue-green look, caused by the pigments pyocyanin and pyoverdin. It also produces a grape or aged wine odor. It can be found in soil, water, skin flora, and man-made environments.  

Solaris Diagnostics Laboratory uses BD PHOENIX Automated identification and susceptibility testing system to provide rapid, accurate, and reliable bacterial detection of known and emerging antimicrobial resistance to the clinicians and laboratories.  

References:
https://www.bd.com/en-us
https://www.cdc.gov/hai/organisms/pseudomonas.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557831/ 


Benefits of Working with Solaris Diagnostics

Now you can provide patients with the quickest and most accurate diagnosis possible from our high-complexity, CLIA accredited laboratory. Choose Solaris Diagnostics for:

  • Simple collection
  • Results by 5:00 pm on the day the lab receives the specimen
  • Direct access to experienced scientific staff
  • Among the most personal customer service experiences in the industry

Our experts assist clinicians and health care providers in rapidly identifying the pathogens and underlying causes of disease. We know that fast and accurate diagnoses lead to better patient outcomes.

For more information call 844-550-0308 to speak with one of our staff. You may also use the form on our Contact Us page.

Share this Article

Recent Articles

Testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone that is produced by both males and females which acts as a chemical messenger throughout the body. Testosterone is produced in

Read More »

Hemoglobin A1c

Glycated or glycosylated hemoglobin is an assay performed in order to diagnose and monitor treatment for type one and type two diabetes. Most commonly referred

Read More »

Hepatitis C

  Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is spread through exposure to blood, often as a result

Read More »

TSH Assay

The TSH assay is an in vitro test used for the quantitative determination of TSH in human serum and plasma. The anterior pituitary gland produces

Read More »

Vitamin B12 Assay

The Vitamin B12 assay is an in vitro test used for the quantitative determination of Vitamin B12 in human serum and plasma. Vitamin B12 is

Read More »

Prothrombin Time (PT)

The prothrombin time (PT) is the most commonly used anticoagulant test and was first introduced into use by Dr. Armand Quick and colleagues in 1935.1

Read More »

Need a Reliable Diagnostic Partner?

At Solaris Diagnostics, we make it easy!

Our Results Portal allows you access patient reports quickly and securely online.

To request access to the Providers Results Portal, please complete our Provider Registration form.

Scroll to Top