Carbapenemase Production Screening (Qualitative) in Body Fluids
This test checks whether certain bacteria produce carbapenemases, enzymes that make antibiotics like carbapenems less effective. It helps identify resistant infections that may require different treatment.
["This test helps doctors determine if bacteria causing infections are resistant to carbapenem antibiotics, guiding appropriate treatment choices."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 102120-3
- Short code
- CARBAP
- Synonyms
- Carbapenemase Islt IA
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Pure bacterial isolate on appropriate solid media (e.g., blood agar, MacConkey agar, Mueller-Hinton agar) submitted on culture plate or slant. Alternatively, isolate suspended in suitable transport medium (e.g., trypticase soy broth with glycerol for frozen storage).
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunochromatographic lateral flow assay / Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for qualitative detection of carbapenemase enzymes (e.g., KPC, NDM, VIM, IMP, OXA-48) in bacterial isolates
- CPT
- 87185
- SNOMED
- 441829007
- Specimen volume
- Sufficient growth of a pure bacterial isolate (typically a visible colony or several colonies from a pure culture plate) required for testing. Minimum equivalent to a 1 μL loopful of fresh bacterial growth from overnight culture.
- Stability
- Fresh isolates should be tested within 24-48 hours of visible growth on solid media. Isolates may be stored at 2-8°C for up to 7 days prior to testing. For longer storage, isolates should be frozen at -70°C or below in appropriate cryopreservation medium. Previously frozen isolates must be subcultured to fresh media before testing.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 1–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of an infection (such as fever, pain, or drainage from a wound) and are being treated with carbapenem antibiotics. It’s also used in settings like hospitals or clinics where infections with resistant bacteria are common. The test helps ensure you receive the most effective treatment for your infection.
What the Test Involves
The test analyzes a sample of body fluid (like blood, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid) to detect the presence of carbapenemase enzymes. No special preparation is needed, but the sample may be collected during a routine procedure (e.g., blood draw, catheter, or spinal tap). Results are qualitative—meaning they only indicate whether the enzyme is present or not.
What the Results Mean
If the test is positive, it suggests the bacteria causing your infection may produce carbapenemases, making carbapenem antibiotics less effective. This finding may prompt your doctor to switch to a different antibiotic or use combination therapy. A negative result means the bacteria likely do not produce these enzymes, and carbapenem antibiotics may still be effective.
Common Causes and Context
Carbapenemase-producing bacteria often spread in healthcare settings, such as hospitals or long-term care facilities. They can affect people of all ages but are more common in those with weakened immune systems, recent surgeries, or prolonged hospital stays. Early detection helps prevent further spread of resistant bacteria.
Reference range
Negative (carbapenemase not detected). Positive results indicate the presence of carbapenemase-producing organism, with specific enzyme type reported (KPC, NDM, VIM, IMP, OXA-48, OXA-23, etc.)N/A
No patient preparation required. Test is performed on bacterial isolate cultured from clinical specimen, not directly on patient sample. Ensure appropriate clinical specimen (blood, urine, respiratory, wound, or body fluid) has been collected prior to isolate testing.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Carbapenemase Screen
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean for my treatment?
How long will it take to get my results?
Can I take antibiotics before the test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy