CDC’S Antibiotic Resistance Lab Assessment Tool

New scoring tool for real-time results

CDC’s Tool Aims to Improve Testing for Antibiotic Resistance

First developed in 2017 and piloted in numerous resource-limited settings, CDC’s Laboratory Assessment of Antibiotic Resistance Testing Capacity (LAARC) helps bacteriology laboratories identify gaps in testing performance and plan to correct key laboratory practices that contribute to inaccurate antibiotic resistance (AR) data.

The recently completed version 2.0 includes an automated scoring tool, in multiple languages, that facilitates real-time interpretation of the assessment results. The Excel-based scoring tool: Generates numerical indicators of quality and capacity in fifteen domains of laboratory practice   Provides detailed real-time heatmaps for immediate visualization of problem areas   Flags key responses that require urgent correction   Aids development of workplans for improvement   Can be used to monitor the status of laboratory improvements over time   Allows data to be exported and collated for comparative analysis of multiple laboratories   Is available now in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese   An updated User’s Guide explains proper use of the tool and interpretation of the results, and a printable Questionnaire facilitates use. Currently in English only, these will also be available in additional languages soon.

Find the new scoring tool, User’s Guide, and Questionnaire on CDC's AR website.

	CDC released a tool to help laboratories in low- and middle-income countries improve antibiotic resistance testing. Learn more about the updated Laboratory Assessment of Antibiotic Resistance Testing Capacity Tool: https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/intl-activities/laarc.html

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