Addressing the roadblocks to rapid AST as the clinical standard

Rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) is redefining how clinical microbiology tackles antimicrobial resistance. But while the technology is advancing fast, adoption still varies widely across labs.

An industry-wide survey reveals the landscape of rapid AST implementation, key barriers, and what labs need to move forward.

Key takeaways:

• Innovation is a priority in clinical microbiology, with most labs actively evaluating new tools
• Ultra-rapid AST is delivering measurable benefits in sepsis management and time-to-result
• Manufacturers are driving progress, but labs need clearer pathways to adoption
• Cost, workflow integration, and evidence remain key barriers—but they’re not insurmountable
• There’s strong demand for faster, more precise, and scalable solutions

Whether you're actively evaluating options or weighing the investment, this infographic breaks down the current landscape, top challenges, and what’s needed for successful adoption.