KPC and NDM Surveillance PCR [A Test in Focus]

By Andy Tofilon • January 24, 2014

Dr. Robin Patel, Division Chair of Clinical Microbiology, answers questions about Mayo Clinic's new KPC and NDM Surveillance PCR test. Dr. Patel discusses how she would explain the test to a patient, provides some details about the science behind the test, and outlines how providers would likely apply the test in practice. Below are some of the key aspects of the new test for your quick review. Also available for your reference is a detailed test information sheet.

	KNSRP — KPC (blaKPC) and NDM (blaNDM) Surveillance PCR View all test information details KPNRP — KPC (blaKPC) and NDM (blaNDM) in Gram-Negative Bacilli, Molecular Detection, PCR View all test information details
	KNSRP — Identifying carriers of carbapenem-resistant Enterobactericeae harboring KPC (Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase) or NDM (New Dehli metallo-beta-lactamase) genes KPNRP — Assessing pure isolates of gram-negative bacilli for mechanism of carbapenem resistance
	KNSRP — Click here to view full specimen details. KPNRP — Click here to view full specimen details.
	Enzymes Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) or New Dehli metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM) can cause resistance to carbapenems in gram-negative bacilli. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends active surveillance to detect unrecognized colonized patients who may be a potential source for carbapenemase-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) transmission. The genes blaKPC and blaNDM encode KPC and NDM enzyme production, respectively. This assay detects and differentiates both blaKPC and blaNDM. A positive PCR for KPC indicates that the isolate carries blaKPC, while a positive NDM PCR indicates the isolate carries blaNDM. Mayo Medical Laboratories offers separate PCR assays for testing pure isolates of gram-negative bacilli carbapenem resistance and for surveillance testing on perirectal/rectal swabs or stool specimens. When should I order this test? KRNRP / KPC (blaKPC) and NDM (blaNDM) in Gram-Negative Bacilli, Molecular Detection, PCR assay should be ordered when assessing pure isolates of gram-negative bacilli for mechanism of carbapenem resistance. KNSRP / KPC (blaKPC) and NDM (blaNDM) Surveillance PCR assay should be ordered to identify carriers of carbapenem-resistant Enterobactericeae harboring blaKPC (Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase) or blaNDM (New Dehli metallo-beta-lactamase) genes.
	Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Using LightCycler and Fluorescent Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) (PCR is utilized pursuant to a license agreement with Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.)
	Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed: Monday through Friday Analytic Time: 1 days