The B’s of AST’s

Daniel Ortiz, PhD, D(ABMM)

Technical Director Microbiology, LabCorp- Ascension St John Hospital, Detroit, MI

This session will consist of Breakout sessions on unusual and discrepant AST findings. Participants will work with their 

table to review actual AST results. 

OBJECTIVES:

• Recognize discrepant AST results
• Recognize unusual AST patterns
• Resolve discrepancies and unusual AST patterns

LEVEL OF INSTRUCTION:

INTERMEDIATE= Refresher course; some basic knowledge required

CE CONTACT HOURS:  1 hour

The C’s of AST’s

Eric Ransom, PhD, D(ABMM)

Assistant Professor at Case Western Reserve University and Assistant Medical Director of Clinical Microbiology, Cleveland, OH  

DESCRIPTION:

Susceptibility testing is some of the most important testing performed in clinical microbiology laboratories. Laboratory staff need to be familiar with common resistance mechanisms and pitfalls to ensure results are accurate for optimal patientcare. Attendees will also learn how to perform verifications and validations for new AST systems and implementation of new breakpoints. Whether you are a beginner or dusting off your skillset, come learn about susceptibility testing!

OBJECTIVES:

• Describe the verification and validation requirements for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) systems.
• Design and execute a verification plan for a new AST system.
• Review data from example AST validation and verification studies.

LEVEL OF INSTRUCTION:

INTERMEDIATE= Refresher course; some basic knowledge required

CE CONTACT HOURS:  1 hour

Keep Your Eyes Peeled

Leigh Ann Bates

Laboratory Scientist Supervisor

James W. Snyder,  PhD

Director of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Molecular Diagnostics U of L Hospital, Louisville, KY

DESCRIPTION:

This session will review key concepts needed to be certain microbiologists in our clinical laboratories can spot and then rule in/out pathogens that can cause laboratory acquired infections and be agents of bioterrorism.

OBJECTIVES:

• Recognize culture, staining, and bio- chemical characteristics of microorganisms of concern.
• Summarize the safety implications of handling pathogenic organisms in clinical specimens and isolates.
• Review the CAP LPX results to identify strengths and weaknesses. 

LEVEL OF INSTRUCTION:

INTERMEDIATE= Refresher course; some basic knowledge required

CE CONTACT HOURS:  1 hour

Fungal Susceptibility Testing

Julie A. Ribes, MD, PhD

Director of Clinical Microbiology, UK HealthCare, Lexington, KY

DESCRIPTION:

This session will cover the newest CLSI updates for Mycology AST, covering methods and interpretive criteria (S, S-DD, I, R, Ecv) in a case based manner.

OBJECTIVES:

• Discuss the current CLSI guidelines for fungal susceptibility testing
• Describe which yeasts actually have breakpoints
• Indicate the applicability of breakpoints of Candida auris

LEVEL OF INSTRUCTION:

BASIC= Entry level-no prior knowledge of subject necessary to attend this program

CE CONTACT HOURS:  0.5 hour

Macy Wood, PhD, D(ABMM)

SCACM State Director-
Wisconsin

from Wisconsin Diagnostic Laboratories/Froedtert Health
Milwaukee, WI