Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing for NTM & Aerobic Actinomycetes
AST Testing
For detailed information on AST testing, please visit the Advanced Diagnostic Laboratories Test Menu.
National Jewish Health Mycobacteriology Laboratory is one of a select group of mycobacteriology laboratories in the United States to provide antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) for nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM).
Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) are determined using a variety of platforms. Our mycobacteriology laboratory also is one of a few that provides combination testing for rifampin/ethambutol. This allows us to obtain the most meaningful results for healthcare providers.
Rapidly Growing NTM & Aerobic Actinomycetes
A microdilution MIC method is used for testing mycobacteria such as Mycobacterium abscessus (M. abscessus), Mycobacterium chelonae (M. chelonae), Mycobacterium fortuitum (M. fortuitum) and Mycobacterium massiliense (M. massiliense), as well as some other aerobic actinomycetes. Currently we test 19 antimicrobials, plus amikacin/clofazimine combinations.
Slowly Growing NTM
Mycobacteria such as Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare, Mycobacterium avium (M. avium), Mycobacterium intracellulare (M. intracellulare), Mycobacterium chimaera (M. chimaera) and Mycobacterium simiae (M. simiae) are tested using a non-radiometric macrodilution assay for MIC determination. Our laboratory is able to provide MIC results for various antimicrobials, including a combination of rifampin/ethambutol.