Even when utilizing exempt media, the laboratory cannot completely bypass quality checks. Under CLSI M22-A3, the user must:
: The acceptable extrapolated failure rate for media to qualify as exempt was increased from 0.3% to 0.5% Defined Responsibilities
Quality control (QC) in the microbiology laboratory is foundational to accurate patient diagnosis. At the center of this process is the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) document , titled "Quality Control of Microbiological Culture Media; Approved Standard—Third Edition." clsi m22a3 pdf
: You can still find the full 44-page PDF version for purchase on the CLSI Shop or authorized retailers like the ANSI Webstore .
: Users must still perform visual inspections for physical defects (e.g., dehydration, bubbles, or contamination) and monitor storage conditions, even for exempt media. Document Structure Even when utilizing exempt media, the laboratory cannot
CLSI M22-A3 provides standardized, evidence-based procedures and QC guidance for antimicrobial disk diffusion susceptibility testing, with updated interpretive criteria to support accurate clinical microbiology reporting.
Is your laboratory currently preparing for an (e.g., CAP or Joint Commission)? : Users must still perform visual inspections for
: Guidelines for contamination testing, physical imperfection checks, and growth recovery testing using specific control strains.
Protocols for laboratories that blend and sterilize their own media from dehydrated powders.