Description:
In response to the growing problem of antimicrobial
resistance, the College of American Pathologists (CAP), a leading laboratory
accrediting organization, has added a new checklist requirement in its latest
revision. CAP Microbiology checklist requirement MIC.11385 states that by Jan.
1, 2024, laboratories must use current breakpoints to interpret minimum
inhibitory concentration (MIC) and disk diffusion test results. Going forward,
labs must also implement new breakpoints within three years of the official
publication date of the updated breakpoints. This article outlines current
breakpoint updates.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify antibiotic breakpoints and their last date of
revision
- Describe steps for updating breakpoints in the lab
- Describe the difference between a very major error, major
error and minor error
Author(s):
Denise L. Koncelik, CIC, MBA, MT (AMT), MLS (ASCP)
Judy Huth, JD, MT (ASCP)
Launched: 2022