An easily prepared and accurate test strip for the detection of beta-lactamase production by both gram negative and positive organisms.

A simple method is described for the preparation of a paper test strip for the rapid detection of the beta-lactamase enzymes of Haemophilus sp., N. gonorrhoeae, S. aureus and S. epidermidis. The test strips were compared with the chromogenic cephalosporin technique for beta-lactamase detection and found to give 100% agreement. The beta-lactamase detection strips were easily prepared, very inexpensive, required no special equipment and could be stored for up to 6 mth.