DIFCO 240658

Reconstitutes for use in the Direct Tube Method. BD™ BBL™ Coagulase Plasma, Rabbit, with Citrate is a lyophilized reagent to qualitatively identify and determine the pathogenicity of Staphylococcus aureus.

Identification of staphylococci is based on microscopic examination, colonial morphology and cultural and biochemical characteristics. Staphylococci associated with acute infection can clot plasma. The most widely used and generally accepted criterion for identification of these pathogenic organisms is based on the presence of the enzyme coagulase.

Staphylococcus aureus produces two types of coagulase, free and bound. Free coagulase is an extracellular enzyme produced when the organism is cultured in broth. Bound coagulase, also known as the clumping factor, remains attached to the cell wall of the organism. In the direct tube test, free coagulase liberated from the cell acts on prothrombin in the coagulase plasma to give a thrombin-like product. This product then acts on fibrinogen to form a fibrin clot.

• Available in 10-tube packs that reconstitute to 3ml or 15ml for use in the Direct Tube Method
• Store reconstituted plasma at 2–8°C for up to 14 day, or aliquot and freeze promptly for up to 30 days