Back to PT Schemes Prices & Timetable | Print scheme details | Version 1. December 2020

Quality Assurance Unit - Scheme Details

Microbiology
PT Number
PT0199
Scheme title
E coli Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test (AST)
Suitable testing methods

Antimicrobial susceptibility testing by disc diffusion or broth microdilution, using European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) method, or similar.

Reporting format

For disc diffusion:

  • Guidelines followed (e.g. EUCAST)
  • Interpretative Criteria used (e.g. EUCAST clinical break points)
  • Disc concentration
  • Zone size (mm)
  • Interpretation as Sensitive, Intermediate, or Resistant

For broth microdilution:

  • Guidelines followed (e.g. EUCAST)
  • Interpretative Criteria used (e.g. EUCAST clinical break points)
  • Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (value)
  • Interpretation as Sensitive, Intermediate, or Resistant

Authorised report will be published electronically.

Results to be returned within
28 days
Number of samples in each distribution

5

Sample Type

Glass vials containing 0.1 mL of freeze dried Escherichia coli

Packaging and transport details

UN3373 – Biological substance Category B.
UK: Normal post
Overseas: Courier

Number of distributions per year
2
Subcontracting
Various aspects of the Proficiency testing schemes may at times be subcontracted. When this occurs it is placed with a competent subcontractor and the Quality Assurance Unit is responsible to the scheme participants for the subcontractors work.
Accreditation status
Not accredited.
Date scheme started

October 2020

Additional Information
Samples contain a pure isolate of E. coli, derived from field strains.
The panel of samples is for Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing (AST) using EUCAST methods (or similar) following normal routine laboratory procedures to determine the AST results.
Participants will be given the identity of the microorganism and a list of antibiotics to be tested, for example: Ampicillin, Azithromycin, Cefotaxime, Ceftazidime, Chloramphenicol, Ciprofloxacin, Colistin, Gentamicin, Meropenem, Nalidixic Acid, Sulfamethoxazole,Tetracycline, Tigecycline, and Trimethoprim. Participants should apply appropriate methods suitable for the antimicrobials under test.
Notes
For price list and detail of distribution months contact: vetqas@apha.gov.uk
Back to PT Schemes Prices & Timetable | Print scheme details | Version 1. December 2020