Microbiology Services | IDEXX Reference Laboratories

Discover more with MALDI-TOF

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF or MALDI) mass spectrometry represents new technology for rapid microbial identifications of over 2,700 species of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and fungi belonging to over 470 genera, resulting in more specific identification.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF or MALDI) mass spectrometry process diagram

Current and clinically relevant antibiotic susceptibility panels

Antibiotic susceptibility panels run at IDEXX Reference Laboratories are based on specimen type/site, species, and organism.
Our team of scientists and specialists reviews and updates panels frequently to incorporate newer and more effective antibiotics guided by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines.
IDEXX uses the VITEK 2 (bioMérieux) automated platform, delivering accurate results hours or days faster than manual methods.

Flexible offerings designed to meet the needs of your patients

Site-specific cultures with specialized antimicrobial susceptibility panels for certain sites, such as ears and eyes, where topical therapies and tissue penetration by antibiotics must be considered.
Specialized cultures for exotic species, such as avians/reptiles or rabbits/rodents, where antibiotic choices may differ.
Reflex urine culture if indicated (based on evidence of infection on urinalysis), eliminating the need for additional charges to the pet owner and providing faster results.

Frequently used test codes

Test Code	Test Name	TAT
TNTU	Test then treat urine	2 - 3 days
TNTE	Test then treat ear	2 - 3 days
TNTS	Test then treat swab	2 - 3 days
EARSW	Basic ear screen (one ear)	2 - 3 days
SARC	Basic faecal screen	2 - 3 days
SARCG	Basic faecal screen plus Giardia	2 - 3 days
UCE	Basic urine screen	1 - 2 days
UCEP	Extended basic urine screen	1 - 2 days
SW	Swab (culture and sentest)	2 - 3 days