5.2 Antibiotic susceptibility testing

One of the most important microbiological tests once a bacterial pathogen has been identified is the antibiotic susceptibility test (AST) to detect antibiotic resistance. AST data of high quality and integrity are needed to inform patient treatment with antibiotics and for use in AMR surveillance.

In order to achieve accurate and reproducible AST data and comparability of test results between laboratories, using a standardised methodology and test parameters is essential. Adherence to international quality standards such as those set by ISO is a basic requirement. Further standards have been set by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) both offer standardised AST methodologies and corresponding guidance to interpret the test results.

Laboratories should also ensure that they are using appropriate reference QC strains, and that there is an effective QMS covering all stages of the testing process.

More information on AST can be found in the Antimicrobial susceptibility testing module.

5.1 Specimen handling and storage

6 Quality assurance in your workplace