Antimicrobial Resistance in Australia
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing public health challenge in Australia. The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) and the Australian Government have identified AMR as a national priority, with clinical microbiology laboratories playing a central role in surveillance, diagnosis, and antibiotic stewardship programs.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing — Why It Matters
Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) determines whether a bacterial isolate is susceptible or resistant to specific antibiotics. Accurate AST results guide clinicians in selecting appropriate antibiotic therapy, reducing treatment failures, minimising adverse effects, and preventing the development and spread of resistant organisms.
AST Methods Used in Australian Laboratories
- Disc diffusion — Antibiotic-impregnated discs placed on inoculated agar; inhibition zone diameter interpreted against EUCAST or CLSI breakpoints
- MIC gradient strips — Continuous antibiotic gradient strips providing a direct MIC readout
- Automated systems — Instrument-based susceptibility panels for high-throughput laboratories
BioMaxima AST Products for Australian Laboratories
Advanced Biotech distributes the full BioMaxima SA antimicrobial susceptibility testing range in Australia, including antibiotic susceptibility discs and MIC gradient strips (BMIC, TMIC, FMIC, RMIC). All products are manufactured under ISO 13485 quality management systems and are TGA registered (ARTG 524158).
Ordering AST Products in Australia
Contact Advanced Biotech at info@advancedbiotech.com.au for pricing, technical datasheets, and validation data for BioMaxima AST products. We provide in-country technical support for Australian clinical microbiology laboratories.