19.06.2025

Is there a EUCAST alternative to MH-F for AST of fastidious organisms?

Susceptibility testing of fastidious organisms - is there an alternative to MH-F? Public consultation 2025-06-19 - 08-29.
The EUCAST medium MH-F was developed for AST of fastidious organisms.Colleagues in some areas of the world have difficulties obtaining the MH-F plate based on horse blood. The document now published for consultation describes an alternative (MH-S) which, with the exception of H. influenzae, can be used for those fastidious organisms otherwise requiring MH-F. When in doubt, the methods section and the breakpoint tables will inform users as to which organisms should be tested using MH-F/MH-S.
Note, neither MH-F or MH-S are recommended for Neisseria spp or anaerobic bacteria.