scope:

CLSI documents M02,¹ M07,² and M1003 describe standardized methods and interpretive criteria for antimicrobial susceptibility testing of common aerobic bacteria, including some fastidious organisms. However, there are a number of less frequently encountered or fastidious bacteria that are not addressed in those CLSI documents. Some are organisms that may cause serious infections, infections associated with trauma and environmental contamination, or device-associated infections in immunocompromised or postsurgical patients. These latter organisms are addressed in this guideline with the goal of providing recommendations for clinical microbiology laboratories on how and when to determine the susceptibility of these diverse organisms. This edition of the guideline also includes some fastidious or unusual organisms, including those potentially associated with bioterrorism, which were previously included in CLSI document M100.³