Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (AST) Practices in India: Need for a National AST Forum

Accurate interpretation of antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) is one of the most crucial functions of the microbiology laboratory. However, its performance depends on a number of critical factors. We conducted a status survey to understand the existing practices in Indian laboratories that have a potential to influence performance of AST.

This survey reveals that potential gaps exist in the performance parameters and internal quality control of AST. There is an urgent need for harmonization in AST performance and postgraduate training in clinical microbiology in India.