14 Summary

In this module you have learned about phenotypic and genotypic laboratory techniques used to test for common mechanisms of resistance in important pathogens. You have looked at resistance patterns of global concern, and you have seen how knowledge of the underlying resistance mechanism feeds into AMR surveillance. At a practical level, you have explored screening and confirmatory tests used for pathogen-resistance combinations relevant to your workplace.

You should now be able to:

• give examples of the resistance patterns/resistant organisms causing global concern
• give examples of the resistance patterns/resistant organisms encountered in your work
• understand the difference between screening and confirmatory testing
• describe some of the phenotypic methods commonly used for screening and confirmation of resistance mechanism
• understand how genotypic methods can be used, and the advantages/disadvantages of genotypic versus phenotypic methods
• understand how more data from detailed testing for resistance mechanisms/genes contributes to AMR surveillance
• apply your knowledge of these laboratory tests to interpret data relevant to your work
• know the importance of procedures designed to ensure the quality of these laboratory tests in your workplace.