VOLUME 21 NUMBER 4 WINTER – 2017-2018 ISSN 1496-3876
OPTIMIZING MICROBIOLOGY VALUE IN SMALL, RESOURCE LIMITED LABORATORIES
This article describes the process by which urine cultures were and are now processed to provide early diagnosis of infection (or not), and indicates how clinicians can access information on antimicrobial resistance in their own area to better optimize treatment when required.
Small regional towns and cities may be several hours away from diagnostic services. It is generally not feasible to transfer those patients to the big cities except in emergencies (“there’s no room at the inn”). Some primary services can be delivered close to the patient with no increase overall costs and can help to optimize care.
Antibiotic Resistance – A Survey
CMPT helped organize and deliver a survey of international EQA providers through the European Organization of External Quality Assurance for Laboratory Medicine (EQALM) to monitor the performance of their participating laboratories on the detection and reporting of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE), and Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE).
