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Journal of Clinical Pathology logoLink to Journal of Clinical Pathology
. 1963 May;16(3):263–267. doi: 10.1136/jcp.16.3.263

Techniques for the rapid and sensitive detection of penicillinase

R J Holt 1, G T Stewart 1
PMCID: PMC480557  PMID: 13961457

Abstract

Practical problems in the detection of penicillinase are discussed. A membrane technique for this purpose is described, with various modifications, suitable for screening large numbers of organisms and yet more sensitive than most methods.

A one-stage membrane technique is adequate for detecting hydrolysis of penicillin G but a two-stage technique is required to demonstrate hydrolysis of some other penicillins. A gradient adaptation can be used for quantitative purposes.

Staphylococci, coliforms, Proteus, and other organisms can be tested in this way for penicillinase formation; the method is also suitable for testing lysates, filtrates, and dialysates, provided independent provision is made for enzyme inducement.

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Selected References

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