6 Genotypic tests

Genotypic tests are widely recognised as the best way to unambiguously prove that a specific resistance gene is present. They are also the only way of characterising suspected new resistance mechanisms.

Many genotypic tests are only done in research and reference laboratories as they all involve molecular biology techniques. However, a few are available as rapid diagnostic kits for commercial polymerase chain reaction (PCR) platforms. The underlying principle is that new and previously known genes can be sequenced and based on this, PCR tests can be developed to look for a specific gene.