ARSP

The Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Reference Laboratory (ARSRL) is a pivotal institution dedicated to combating antimicrobial resistance in the Philippines. Serving as the coordinating laboratory for the Department of Health's Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Program (ARSP), ARSRL plays a crucial role in providing high-quality surveillance data. Established under the guidance of the Department of Health in 1988, the laboratory focuses on standardized in-vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing to track and analyze bacterial resistance trends.

ARSRL's comprehensive services include microbiological and molecular bacteriology testing, laboratory data management, and training programs designed to enhance local laboratory capabilities. Moreover, the laboratory actively collaborates with global health organizations, participating in international quality assurance programs to ensure excellence in its methodologies. By leveraging sophisticated techniques for culture and susceptibility testing, ARSRL delivers valuable insights that aid in cultivating rational antibiotic use. Its commitment to advancing public health is reflected in the annual reports generated from aggregated surveillance data, aiding stakeholders in addressing the ongoing challenge of antimicrobial resistance.