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Abstract
A convenient dipstrip method (Bacteruritest; Mast Diagnostics) for bacterial quantification was evaluated with 42 endotracheal aspirates. For 31 specimens, the dipstrip method yielded counts within a 10-fold range of surface plate counts. Two specimens yielded counts by the dipstrip within a 100-fold range of plate counts. Six specimens yielded confluent growth at the greatest dilution tested by the dipstrip method, and counts > 1010 cfu/ml in the surface plate method. Three specimens yielded no detectable growth by the dipstrip and surface plate counts <102 cfu/ml. Dipstrips provide a cheap, convenient method for the routine quantification of the bacterial load in endotracheal aspirates.
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© 1996 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland