ASM Awards and Grants


	For QC of non exempt media, are all the recommended QC organisms required to be used listed in the CLSI document M22 for CAP adherence.
	I have included an excerpt from the microbiology check list addressing this issue (Oct 2006). It is as follows: "The user laboratory must continue to test each lot of media except those listed as being exempt from such testing in the tables in M22-A3, using quality control methods employed for media manufactured in-house (which are also listed in the M22 tables[table 2 and 3- table 3 is minimal testing requirements). In addition, each shipment of a commercial identification system must be tested for appropriate performance. If more than one lot number is received per shipment, each lot number must be tested." "MIC.21240 Phase II N/A YES NO Does the laboratory have documentation that an appropriate sample of each purchased medium that is not listed in M22-A3 as exempt from testing is checked for each of the following? 1. Ability to support growth (where applicable) by means of stock cultures or by parallel testing with previous batches 2. Biochemical reactivity, where appropriate" I interpret this as using the organisms listed in the M22-A3 document. I would however, refer you to the CAP for any other additional questions. the number listed on the check list is 1-800-323-4040 X 6065. They may refer this to the microbiology resource committee of CAP. Thanks for the question.

Return to Questions