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Scottish Antimicrobial Resistance Service

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The Scottish Antimicrobial Resistance Service (SAMRS) investigates carbapenem resistance in Enterobacterales, Pseudomonads, Acinetobacter species and other healthcare associated Gram negative bacteria. We were commissioned in 2016 by National Services Division for Scotland, with clinical and scientific advice from Public Health Scotland (PHS).

The increasing incidence of carbapenemases across Scotland led to the formation of our service. From 2016, we began providing molecular detection for the ‘Big 5’ carbapenemase genes (KPC, NDM, VIM,OXA-48 and IMP). In 2018, we introduced molecular detection of OXA-23, OXA-24/40, OXA-51 and OXA-58 in isolates of Acinetobacter species. Finally, in 2019 we commenced our broth microdilution service. Broth microdilution allows our team to further screen for other mechanisms of resistance (including rare carbapenemases).

We investigate colistin resistance and other exceptional phenotypes demonstrated by Enterobacterales, Pseudomonads, Acinetobacter species and other healthcare associated Gram negative bacteria. We also provide cefiderocol sensitivity testing for multidrug resistant organisms (on request).