Spectra of Activity Explained
The ubiquitous Sanford Guide Spectra of Activity dates back to our first edition in 1969. While the primary organization of the spectra is the same, you'll find many new features (and a multitude of new pathogens and drugs) in our digital Spectra of Activity. This page explains those features and how to maximize the utility of this rapid reference tool.
When you load the Antibacterial Spectra of Activity for the first time, you will be presented with a data set of over 7,500 interactions between pathogens and anti-infective agents.
Using the "X" buttons at the bottom and size, you can remove drugs and pathogens that you do not often encounter. You can also click "Clear All Rows" or "Clear All Columns" and set up your own view from scratch as shown below.
Likewise, you can add drugs and pathogens by tapping "Add Bug/Drug" at the top left and then selecting the individual items or groups you would like to add to the spectra.
As you customize the table, your changes will be saved on your device, and will become your new default view.
Any time you see a black triangle at the corner of the box containing an interaction, drug name, or pathogen name, you can click or tap on that box to get additional concise information. For comprehensive information about a drug or pathogen, click the blue hyperlinks on the spectra screen or pop-up window.