Acinetobacter

Significance

Acinetobacter is a group of bacteria generally considered nonpathogenic to healthy individuals. However, at least 23 species have been associated with human disease. Acinetobacter infections have increased and gained attention because of the organism’s prolonged environmental survival and propensity to develop antimicrobial drug resistance. The settings for infection are usually medical or surgical intensive care units involving patients with preexisting conditions. Common routes of bacterial transmission include contaminated medical devices such as ventilation devices and catheters.

Test Method

Filter concentration method using Leeds Acinetobacter medium. Direct plating is also included in the event of high concentrations of the organism. Modification of the ASTM International Standard Test Method for the Isolation and Enumeration of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from water (D5246).

Turn Around Time

2–7 days

Test Code

105

Sample Transport

See Sampling and Shipping page for instructions.

Accreditations and Proficiency
See Accreditations and Proficiency page for information on our accreditations and Legionella testing proficiency programs.