Drug-resistant organisms continue to increase in prevalence, and antimicrobial resistance is one of the most significant problems in infectious diseases. 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. Testing is also available for drug-resistant, sterile site, Streptococcus pneumoniae (DRSP), Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), Enterobacterales group (CRE), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA). 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 MALDI-TOF sequencing.
Growth should be apparent before submission to the laboratory. A pure culture is required.
SAMPLE COLLECTION and SHIPPING REQUIREMENTS:
Please refer to the Microbiology Laboratory Testing and Sample Submission Criteria for collection and shipping requirements.
RESULTS AVAILABLE
Upon completion of identification.
REPORTING & INTERPRETATION
Result interpretation may include “Resistant”, “Susceptible”, or “Intermediate” for each drug tested.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
An organism identified as VISA or VRSA will be forwarded to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta.