The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed a new training tool to assist laboratorians in selecting and using appropriate testing methods to detect antimicrobial-resistant strains of bacteria. The new tool, an interactive CD-ROM-based training course, provides the most extensive compilation of information on antimicrobial resistance testing available to date.
     Antimicrobial susceptibility testing has become more complex in recent years as new drugs have become available and resistance has emerged. Accurate antimicrobial susceptibility test results help physicians choose the best therapy for their patients and guide infection control efforts to the most serious infections.
     Upon completion of this training course, scientists can receive up to eight hours of continuing education credits (CEUs), marking the first time the agency has offered CEU credits for programs designed to help in identifying antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.
The free CD is distributed through the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL).
Association of Public Health Laboratories
www.CLPmag.com 
Keywords: training, microbiology, susceptibility