Skip Navigation LinksWyoming Department of Health Preventive Health and Safety Division Public Health Laboratory ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTING

ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTING


Drug resistant organisms continue to increase in prevalence and antimicrobial resistance is one of the most significant infectious disease problems.  Numerous resources related to Antimicrobial Resistance laboratory testing and the treatment of resistant infections are available online. 

Any suspected case of vancomycin intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA), or vancomycin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) should be sent to WPHL before reporting to the physician.  Additionally, WPHL performs confirmatory testing for methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin resistant Enterococci (VRE), and drug resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (DRSP).  WPHL is no longer performing confirmatory testing for extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL).

 

TYPE OF TEST

Reference cultures of isolates will be accepted for identification using biochemical identification systems and 16s rDNA sequencing.

SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS

Growth should be apparent before submission to the laboratory.  A pure culture is required.

SHIPPING REQUIREMENTS

Ship in a manner to ensure survival of isolate.  Ship according to regulations for infectious substances.  Complete and enclose WPHL test request form.

DAYS TEST PERFORMED

Daily, Monday – Friday.

RESULTS AVAILABLE

Upon completion of identification.

REPORTING & INTERPRETATION

 The minimum inhibitory concentration will be reported for each drug tested.  Interpretation will include "Resistant", "Susceptible" or "Intermediate".

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

An organism identified as VRSA will be forwarded to Centers of Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta.  Additionally, organisms that are not readily identifiable may be forwarded to CDC for further identification.


 

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