Presentation Description / Session Abstract: This session explores how to incorporate cumulative antibiograms and interpretation of antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) reports into clinical-decision making. We will review the data analysis and presentation of antibiograms and how they can inform empirical antimicrobial choices while awaiting AST results. Finally, we will explore common misconceptions about the interpretation of AST reports and when extrapolations can be made to other body sites, bacteria, or antimicrobial drugs.
Learning Objectives:
Describe the utility of antibiograms in making empirical decisions about antimicrobial drugs.
Recognize the importance of species-specific breakpoints in interpretation of antimicrobial susceptibility test results.
Appreciate the complexities and limitations of extrapolating from antimicrobial susceptibility test results.
