Accuracy of Direct Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Gram-Negative Bacteria from Positive Blood Cultures Using MicroScan System and Value of Using Expert Rules for β-Lactam Agents

Direct antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) of positive blood cultures with Gram-negative bacteria produces results within 24 h, compared to 48 to 96 h with conventional methods. Positive clinical blood cultures were studied, supplemented with contrived blood cultures inoculated with a spectrum of resistant isolates.