Bacteria are identified at LAB 797 using MALDI-TOF MS, a method of mass spectrometry. This allows us to quickly identify any potential contaminants on environmental samples from your facility. It is highly recommended that your pharmacy take action according to your SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) upon receiving such results.
Below are some common contaminants isolated from cleanroom facilities:
Bacillus sp.
Closely related to: Priestia sp., Paenibacillus sp., Metabacillus sp., Niallia sp.
Common isolates: Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus halosaccharovorans, Priestia megaterium, Paenibacillus polymyxa, Niallia circulans
Widespread in most environments, commonly seen in rooms such as Segregated Compound Areas (SCA) and Ante Rooms
Occasionally found on fingertip plates or after compounding
Can appear as many different colors and textures on agar plate, usually spreading across all of the agar
Staphylococcus sp.
Common isolates: Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staphylococcus aureus
Often found in various rooms throughout the cleanroom or in the environment
Commonly found on fingertip samples
Staphylococcus sp. are usually human contaminants, found naturally on skin and spread through surfaces
Can appear sticky or creamy on agar plate, usually white or light yellow in color
Staphylococcus aureus is known to cause severe infections in immunocompromised patients
Micrococcus sp.
Common isolates: Micrococcus luteus, Micrococcus flavus
Often found in various rooms throughout the cleanroom or in the environment
Micrococcus sp. are common human and environmental contaminants found in soil, water, air, and human skin
Can appear as raised and creamy on agar plate, and usually yellow in color