Evaluation of a new gonorrhea culture detection system--Microcult G.C.

A new dehydrated test system (Microcult G.C.), developed by the Ames Company for the detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, was evaluated with stock cultures and fresh isolates. When evaluated against fresh, modified Thayer-Martin (MTM) medium, the new test was slightly less sensitive (81.6% vs 84.2% detection); however, Microcult G.C. has the unique advantage of long room-temperature storage life without deterioration. Thus, it would probably not be used where fresh MTM is readily available, proving most useful in areas where laboratory services are less accessible.