When you need to know what to actually treat
Targeted Treatment Starts with Accurate Diagnostics
ClearMilk provides important, rapid information about whether a milk sample is bacteriologically positive and, if so, which type of mastitis pathogen is present. It also helps identify problematic udder quarters, individual animals or groups of animals.
Three Services in One Package
Three Services in One Package
Culture and Identification
Conventional microbiological culture on chromogenic agars combined with the on-farm ClearMilk test. We identify:
- Gram-positive bacteria - Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Streptococcus uberis, S. agalactiae, S. dysgalactiae
- Gram-negative bacteria - E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Yeasts and algae - Candida spp., Prototheca spp.
Antibiogram—Susceptibility to 12+ Antibiotics
Following pathogen isolation, we perform a disk diffusion antibiogram (Kirby-Bauer method) using a panel of antibiotics relevant to veterinary practice in the Czech Republic. For each antibiotic, the result is:
- S - Susceptible (the preparation at standard dosage eliminates the pathogen)
- I - Intermediate (requires a higher dosage or extended treatment)
- R - Resistant (cannot be used; an alternative must be sought)
PCR Diagnostics
For rapid results (within 6 hours) or for pathogens that are difficult to culture, we offer PCR diagnostics. Key applications:
- Mycoplasma bovis - cannot be cultured conventionally; PCR is the standard
- Acute clinical mastitis - when time is critical
- Prior to selective dry cow therapy - rapid screening of large groups of cows
- Herd audit - prevalence survey of specific pathogens
When to Send a Sample for Laboratory Analysis
A microbiological milk analysis is essential in four key situations:
Prior to Drying Off a Cow
To execute selective dry cow therapy correctly, you need to know which cows are actually infected. Without bacteriology, decisions are based solely on somatic cell count (SCC)—which is insufficient.
Recurrent Mastitis in the Herd
If a cow experiences 2+ clinical episodes during the same lactation, it is highly probable that:
- Phe pathogen is resistant to the selected antibiotic
- The pathogen species was misidentified (e.g., confusing Staphylococcus with Streptococcus)
- It is a chronic infection (S. aureus, S. uberis)
High Bulk Tank SCC (>400,000)
If your bulk tank milk SCC exceeds 400,000 cells/ml, the dairy processor will reduce the purchase price (-0.30 to -0.50 CZK/l) or reject the milk altogether. The cause is almost always subclinical mastitis in the herd—but the pathogen remains unknown.
Herd Fails to Respond to the Chosen Antibiotic
If standard treatment (e.g., 1st generation cephalosporin for acute mastitis) fails in more than one instance, resistance within your herd is highly probable. A routine antibiogram (4× per year) will detect trends early—before widespread treatment failure occurs.
Procedure: How to Collect a Sample and What to Do Next
Milk Sample Collection
- Label the sample (cow ID and quarter) with a tag.
- Thoroughly clean the teat with a damp cloth, then dry.
- Disinfect the teat end using a disinfectant wipe (for 30 seconds).
- Strip out the first 4–5 squirts of milk into a strip cup with a black bottom.
- Fill a sterile tube with 5–10 ml of milk—do not touch the opening of the tube to the teat.
- Cap the tube securely.
- Store under refrigeration (4 °C) for a maximum of 24 hours prior to dispatch.
Choosing a Method—On-Farm Diagnostics vs. Laboratory
For definitive diagnostic confirmation + antibiogram: Send the sample to our laboratory. You will obtain precise species identification (MALDI-TOF) and susceptibility testing for 12+ antibiotics.
Shipping to the Laboratory
- Refrigerated transport (insulated cooler box with ice packs) - via courier or delivery service.
- Include the submission form with sample identification and contact details.
- Address: LabMediaServis s.r.o., Národní 84, 551 01 Jaroměř
- Phone for coordination: +420 725 945 953, +420 720 930 872
Results
- Culture + MALDI-TOF: 24–48 hours from sample receipt.
- Antibiogram: an additional 24 hours following pathogen isolation.
- PCR: within 6 hours for express orders.
- Results delivered via email complete with interpretation and recommendations.
Equipment and Team
Our microbiological team possesses long-standing experience in mastitis diagnostics:
MVDr. Zuzana Čermáková, Ph.D.
Laboratory Director
Specialization in clinical microbiology
MVDr. Pavel Novotný
Laboratory Director
Assists with implementing on-farm systems, interpreting results, and establishing treatment and prevention protocols
Pricing and Availability
| Service | Turnaround Time | Estimated Price |
| Culture + MALDI-TOF (1 sample) | 24–48 h | 350–600 Kč |
| Antibiogram (1 isolate) | +24 h | 120–240 Kč |
| PCR diagnostics (1 sample) | 6 h | 600–900 Kč |
| Volume discount (> 20 samples) | — | individual offer |
We will be happy to agree on a specific price for your herd upon initial contact—it depends on volume, frequency, and combination of services.
Get a QuoteFAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us — Order an Analysis
Send a sample or schedule a consultation. We will get back to you within 24 hours with specific instructions for sampling, transport, and a price estimate.
Order an Analysis or Submit an Inquiry