Comparison of dalbavancin MIC values determined by Etest (AB BIODISK) and reference dilution methods using gram-positive organisms.

While standardized microdilution testing methodologies and quality control ranges exist for the novel glycolipopeptide dalbavancin, no testing methods have been described that are immediately available for routine use in clinical laboratories. In this study, we found that the dalbavancin Etest (AB BIODISK, Solna, Sweden) procedure demonstrated a high degree of agreement (100% within +/-2 log(2) dilution steps) with the standardized broth microdilution method, validating the use of the Etest as an alternative test for investigational or clinical purposes following regulatory approval.