Rapid and direct staphylocoagulase assay that uses a chromogenic substrate for identification of Staphylococcus aureus.

A rapid and direct assay of staphylocoagulase that uses chromogenic substrate Chromozym TH was developed for the routine identification of Staphylococcus aureus. False-positive and false-negative reactions were eliminated by measuring the activity of staphylocoagulase-prothrombin complex directly. The method was compared with three clotting assays. The results show that the new assay is specific, quantitative, and easily automated. If offers clinical laboratories a more reliable assay of staphylocoagulase and is a valuable aid for the rapid identification of S. aureus.