Culture KPC (Carbapenemase) Screening Test
Short Name: KPC Screening
Also known as: KPC Detection Test, CPE Screening Test, Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Screening, KPC Culture Screen, Carbapenemase Producing Organism Screening
Culture KPC (Carbapenemase) Screening Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹983. Uses Chromogenic Culture on Selective Medium, Phenotypic Carbapenemase Confirmation on Rectal swab, Wound swab, or Pure growth in Amies charcoal transport medium samples. Results in Sample must be submitted daily by 11:00 AM. Reports are available the next working day via online portal, email, or WhatsApp.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal
Consultant Microbiologist · Reg: 27670
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The primary purpose of the Culture KPC (Carbapenemase) Screening Test is to detect asymptomatic colonisation or active infection caused by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE). Early identification of carriers allows healthcare providers to implement appropriate infection control measures—such as patient isolation and enhanced hygiene protocols—to prevent the spread of these highly resistant organisms within healthcare settings. The test is also used to guide antibiotic selection, ensuring that patients with CPE infections receive effective treatment regimens while avoiding the unnecessary use of broad-spectrum antibiotics that may further drive resistance.
- Test Code
- 417
- CPT Code
- 87081
- ICD Code
- Z22.322
- Price
- ₹983
- Sample Type
- Rectal swab, Wound swab, or Pure growth in Amies charcoal transport medium
- Result Time
- Sample must be submitted daily by 11:00 AM. Reports are available the next working day via online portal, email, or WhatsApp.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Chromogenic Culture on Selective Medium, Phenotypic Carbapenemase Confirmation
Sample Collection
No special preparation such as fasting or dietary restriction is required. Inform your healthcare provider about any current antibiotic use, as this may affect test results. Ensure the collection site is clean and accessible.
Method: Sterile swab collection
Laboratory Analysis
A sterile swab is used to collect a rectal or wound specimen. For rectal screening, the swab is gently inserted approximately 2–3 cm into the rectum and rotated to obtain adequate material. The procedure is quick and may cause minimal discomfort. The swab is then placed in Amies charcoal transport medium to preserve organism viability during transport.
Report Delivery
The sample is labelled, stored at refrigerated temperature, and transported to the laboratory within 24 hours. No post-collection restrictions apply. You may resume normal activities immediately after sample collection.
Timeline: Sample must be submitted daily by 11:00 AM. Reports are available the next working day via online portal, email, or WhatsApp.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The primary purpose of the Culture KPC (Carbapenemase) Screening Test is to detect asymptomatic colonisation or active infection caused by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE). Early identification of carriers allows healthcare providers to implement appropriate infection control measures—such as patient isolation and enhanced hygiene protocols—to prevent the spread of these highly resistant organisms within healthcare settings. The test is also used to guide antibiotic selection, ensuring that patients with CPE infections receive effective treatment regimens while avoiding the unnecessary use of broad-spectrum antibiotics that may further drive resistance.
How to Prepare
- Use only sterile swabs provided in the Amies charcoal transport medium kit
- For rectal swabs, insert the swab approximately 2–3 cm beyond the anal sphincter and rotate gently
- For wound swabs, clean the surrounding area with sterile saline before collecting from the wound bed
- Place the swab immediately into the transport medium and secure the cap tightly
- Label the specimen with patient name, date, time, and specimen source
- Transport the sample refrigerated (2–8°C) to the laboratory within 24 hours of collection
- Do not freeze the sample
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal — MBBS, MD (Microbiology) · Reg. No. 27670
"Carbapenem resistance is among the most serious antimicrobial resistance threats globally. The Culture KPC screening test helps identify patients colonized or infected with carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae, enabling early isolation, targeted therapy, and infection control. Early detection through routine screening in high-risk patients—such as those with recent ICU admissions, prolonged hospitalization, or recent travel to endemic regions—is critical to curbing the spread of these multidrug-resistant organisms. This test is a cornerstone of hospital-based antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention programmes."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Specimen received in a dried or leaking transport medium
- Sample received without proper labelling or patient identification
- Specimen transported at room temperature for more than 24 hours
- Swab not placed in transport medium
Understanding Your Results
Negative (No Growth)
No carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae were detected in the specimen. This suggests the patient is not currently colonised or infected with CPE at the screening site. Clinical correlation is advised, and repeat screening may be considered in high-risk settings.
Positive (Growth Detected – CPE Confirmed)
Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae were isolated from the specimen. This indicates colonisation or active infection. The organism and its susceptibility profile will be reported. Immediate consultation with an infectious disease specialist is recommended for appropriate treatment and infection control measures.
Inconclusive
The result is neither clearly positive nor negative. This may occur due to low bacterial load, mixed flora, or technical issues. Repeat testing with a fresh specimen is recommended. Clinical correlation and physician assessment are advised.
Consult an infectious disease specialist or your treating physician immediately if your Culture KPC screening test is positive. If you are experiencing symptoms such as persistent fever, unexplained infection, urinary symptoms, respiratory distress, or wound infection that does not respond to standard antibiotics, seek medical evaluation without delay. CPE infections can progress rapidly and require specialist-guided treatment.
Limitations
- ⚠This test screens specifically for carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae and may not detect all carbapenem-resistant organisms
- ⚠Sensitivity may vary depending on the specimen site and bacterial load
- ⚠Positive screening results should be confirmed with additional molecular or phenotypic tests
- ⚠Does not differentiate between carbapenemase gene types (e.g., KPC, NDM, OXA-48, VIM, IMP); molecular testing may be needed for definitive genotyping
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minimal discomfort during rectal swab collection
- ●Very slight risk of mucosal irritation at the collection site
- ●No significant procedural risks associated with this test
Interfering Factors
- ●Recent antibiotic use may suppress bacterial growth and cause false-negative results
- ●Improper sample collection technique may reduce specimen quality
- ●Delayed transport of the sample beyond 24 hours may affect organism viability
- ●Contamination during collection may lead to false-positive or inconclusive results
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Culture KPC (Carbapenemase) Screening Test | ESBL Screening Test | MRSA Screening Test | Blood Culture Test | Colistin Resistance (mcr-1) Detection Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Culture KPC (Carbapenemase) Screening Test | ESBL screening detects extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing organisms, which confer resistance to third-generation cephalosporins but typically remain susceptible to carbapenems. KPC screening specifically targets carbapenemase producers, which represent a higher level of resistance. | MRSA screening detects methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a Gram-positive organism. KPC screening targets Gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae with carbapenem resistance. Both are important for hospital infection control but address entirely different resistance mechanisms. | Blood culture detects bacteraemia (bacteria in the bloodstream) and identifies the causative organism. KPC screening uses targeted specimens (rectal/wound swabs) to detect colonisation with carbapenemase producers, often before clinical infection develops. | The mcr-1 test screens for plasmid-mediated colistin resistance genes. While KPC screening focuses on carbapenem resistance, mcr-1 testing detects resistance to colistin, often considered the last-resort antibiotic for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Culture KPC (Carbapenemase) Screening Test?
Why is the KPC screening test important?
Who should get the Culture KPC screening test?
What sample is required for the KPC screening test?
Is fasting required before the KPC screening test?
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Can the KPC screening test differentiate between types of carbapenemases?
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