# AI misreads an antibiogram report, interpreting 'R' as 'Resistant' for an organism that is actually susceptible to the antibiotic, leading to inappropriate antibiotic selection

- **ID:** `medical/antibiotic-sensitivity-misread`
- **Domain:** medical
- **Category:** data_error
- **Error Code:** `ANTIBIOGRAM_MISREAD_R`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 80%

## Root Cause

Antibiogram reports use standard abbreviations: S (susceptible), I (intermediate), R (resistant). AI may misinterpret 'R' as 'Resistant' when the report uses a different abbreviation scheme (e.g., 'R' for 'Reduced susceptibility' in some systems, or the organism is actually susceptible but the AI misaligns columns).

## Workarounds

1. **Cross-check the antibiogram with the organism's known susceptibility patterns. Use a standard reference (e.g., CLSI M100 or EUCAST breakpoints) to verify. Example: if the report shows 'E. coli: Ampicillin R' but the organism is known to be susceptible, re-read the report carefully for column alignment or consult the lab for clarification.** (90% success)
   ```
   Cross-check the antibiogram with the organism's known susceptibility patterns. Use a standard reference (e.g., CLSI M100 or EUCAST breakpoints) to verify. Example: if the report shows 'E. coli: Ampicillin R' but the organism is known to be susceptible, re-read the report carefully for column alignment or consult the lab for clarification.
   ```
2. **If the report uses non-standard abbreviations (e.g., 'R' for 'Reduced'), re-interpret using the lab's specific key. Contact the microbiology lab if unsure.** (85% success)
   ```
   If the report uses non-standard abbreviations (e.g., 'R' for 'Reduced'), re-interpret using the lab's specific key. Contact the microbiology lab if unsure.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — In some systems (e.g., EUCAST), 'R' may indicate 'Reduced susceptibility' or the report may have a different column order; misinterpreting leads to using broader-spectrum antibiotics unnecessarily, promoting resistance. (90% fail)
- **** — Empiric therapy may be inappropriate for the specific organism, leading to treatment failure or adverse effects. (85% fail)
- **** — Delays treatment unnecessarily; the original report may be correct but misread. (70% fail)