The result for a quantitative observation is above the upper limit of the reference range (as defined for the respective test procedure).

Synonym: Above high normal

The result for a quantitative observation is below the lower limit of the reference range (as defined for the respective test procedure).

Synonym: Below low normal

Bacterial strain inhibited in vitro by a concentration of an antimicrobial agent that is associated with uncertain therapeutic effect. Reference: CLSI (http://www.clsi.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Resources/HarmonizedTerminologyDatabase/Harmonized_Terminolo.htm) Projects: ISO 20776-1, ISO 20776-2

[Note 1: Bacterial strains are categorized as intermediate by applying the appropriate breakpoints in a defined phenotypic test system.]

[Note 2: This class of susceptibility implies that an infection due to the isolate can be appropriately treated in body sites where the drugs are physiologically concentrated or when a high dosage of drug can be used.]

[Note 3: This class also indicates a "buffer zone," to prevent small, uncontrolled, technical factors from causing major discrepancies in interpretations.]

[Note 4: These breakpoints can be altered due to changes in circumstances (e.g., changes in commonly used drug dosages, emergence of new resistance mechanisms).]

The specified component / analyte, organism or clinical sign could neither be declared positive / negative nor detected / not detected by the performed test or procedure.

Usage Note: For example, if the specimen was degraded, poorly processed, or was missing the required anatomic structures, then "indeterminate" (i.e. "cannot be determined") is the appropriate response, not "equivocal".