Before using the EUCAST 2020 breakpoint table - make sure you read this.

There are many changes in the breakpoint tables v. 10.0 (2020). Some may be difficult to understand or accept without having followed the development of and consultations on the changing definitions of the susceptibility categories , especially that of the old intermediate (I), still designated I but now "Susceptible, increased exposure". As a result of this, some species and agents are never categorised “Susceptible, standard exposure” (S), only “Susceptible, increased exposure” (I). To make sure these are never reported S, an arbitrary breakpoint of S ≤0.001 mg/L (corresponding to S≥50 mm). These are meant to be off-scale and not part of testing. For these, include concentrations to reliably distinguish between I and R.

Users of the tables are urged to inform themselves on definitions of S, I and R, the use of the arbitrary, off-scale breakpoints and the fact that Pseudomonas aeruginosa, for many agents, is never reported S, only I, but is still possible to treat provided the dosing and mod of administration is considered.

Visit the section on new definitions of S, I and R, and read the first few tabs in the breakpoint table (Notes, Guidance, Dosage, Technical uncertainty).

For questions and comments on breakpoints, use the EUCAST subject related contact form.

• Clinical breakpoints - bacteria (v 10.0) - pdf for printing (1 Jan, 2020).
  Erratum: In the 2020 breakpoint table, imipenem-relebactam breakpoints under Enterobacterales, should read "valid except for Morganellaceae".
  Addendum: Temocillin breakpoints and AST methods (21 April, 2020)
  Addendum: Cefiderocol breakpoints and AST methods (30 April, 2020)
• Clinical breakpoints - bacteria (v 10.0) - excel file for screen (1 Jan, 2020). For opening the Excel file, use only the original Microsoft^TM Excel® programme - otherwise some functions may be lost. 
  Erratum: In the 2020 breakpoint table, imipenem-relebactam breakpoints under Enterobacterales, should read "valid except for Morganellaceae".
  Addendum: Temocillin breakpoints and AST methods (21 April, 2020)
  Addendum: Cefiderocol breakpoints and AST methods (30 April, 2020)
  Addendum: Ceftolozane-tazobactam zone diameter breakpoints for H. influenzae (16 June, 2020)
• Dosages (v 10.0) - pdf file.  
  See also the EUCAST aminoglycoside guidance document for the use of the revised aminoglycoside breakpoints.
• EUCAST instruction video on how to use the breakpoint table - download here! 
• Clinical breakpoints - fungi (Candida and Aspergillus)
• Guidance for organisms not listed in breakpoint tables
• What to do when there are no clinical breakpoints  
• Areas of Technical Uncertainty (ATU) and information on how to handle unavoidable technical uncertainty in antimicrobial susceptibility testing (updated 2020).

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Breakpoints published in Addendum during the year will be part of the next version of the full Clinical breakpoint tables valid from early January each year.

Previous versions of breakpoint tables:

Previous versions of breakpoint tables. 

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Definitions of clinical breakpoints and epidemiological cut off values

Modified definitions valid from 1 January, 2019.