Registration Information
THIS ACTIVITY REQUIRES CREDIT CARD PAYMENT. If you ordered this product in advance, click Learning Search to locate the activity.
To enroll in the series with one easy payment, or to enroll multiple participants from the same institution, call 800-323-4040 option 1. This option is only available until December 31, 2023, after this date this activity is only accessible by an online credit card payment.
Description
The clinical microbiology laboratory plays a critical role in providing data used to determine optimal antibiotic therapy for patients with infections, especially bacterial infections. The categorization of bacteria as susceptible versus resistant to a given antimicrobial agent requires the application of antimicrobial susceptibility testing breakpoints. However, often the breakpoints used by laboratories are obsolete, and the use of obsolete breakpoints leads to reporting isolates susceptible to an antibiotic when they may be resistant, leading a clinician to potentially prescribe an ineffective treatment. Up-to-date breakpoints are required for regulatory compliance and optimal patient care, and the data the laboratory uses to make breakpoint decisions must be accurate and based on current clinical breakpoints. This activity will explore approaches to identify, track, and apply updated clinical breakpoints.
This clinical pathology activity is intended for pathologists.
Objectives
After completing this activity, you should be able to:
- Describe how antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) breakpoints are set.
- Explain why AST breakpoints may change.
- Recognize the importance of updating breakpoints in a timely manner.
- Describe a plan to maintain compliance with the CAP requirements regarding up-to-date breakpoints.
- List barriers that laboratories face in maintaining up-to-date breakpoints.
Authors/Faculty
Thomas J. Kirn, MD, PhD, FCAP
Related Link
Clinical Pathology Improvement Program
CME Information
Accreditation: The College of American Pathologists (CAP) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
CME Category 1: The College of American Pathologists designates this internet enduring material educational activity for a
maximum of 1.25
AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Payment Information
To pay with a check, print a copy of this page and send it with your check to the address below. You will be notified when your payment has been processed and you have been registered into the activity.
College of American Pathologists
CAP Learning
325 Waukegan Road
Northfield, IL 60093-2750
Refund Policy
Refunds will be handled on an exception basis. Please submit your request to the CAP in writing via email at
education@cap.org or fax at 847-832-8006.
Technical Requirements
Pop-up blockers must be turned off.
The CAP recognizes that some Veteran’s Administration, US Government, and military participants may have difficulty accessing the online activity. If you experience difficulty or have any questions, please contact a representative of the Customer Contact Center at 800-323-4040 option 1 or education@cap.org.
Availability
This activity and evaluation are available August 21, 2023, and expire August 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM (CT). Upon completion of the activity your credit will be awarded. Your certificate may be downloaded from your Transcript.
CC: CPIP0808W.2023
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