The CDC is partnering with software company HP to put inkjet-like technology in four of the CDC's AR Lab Network regional labs this fall as part of a pilot program. The technology provides rapid antimicrobial susceptibility tests that show whether a new antibiotic will work on a patient's infection.
The pilot uses HP technology to "print" pharmaceutical samples rather than ink. For the first time, regional labs can conduct rapid susceptibility testing for health departments and hospitals across the U.S.
"This pilot project will help ensure healthcare providers have the latest information to inform their prescribing, the newest drugs last longer, and gold-standard lab results are in healthcare providers' hands faster," the CDC said.
CDC and HP will assess the pilot in the four regional laboratories, refine the system and explore a larger rollout of inkjet printing technology in labs nationwide.
The project's initial results are expected by early 2019.