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The timely and reliable identification of causative microorganisms is critical to ensure the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. Traditionally, microbial cultures have been utilized to identify causative pathogens and test their antimicrobial susceptibility.1 However, this approach may encounter serious challenges. Thus, antibiotic treatment suppresses pathogens and interferes with their culture, even if it does not completely eradicate them.2 Moreover, a number of microorganisms are difficult or impossible to culture. qPCR + next-generation sequencing (NGS) represents an innovative and reliable alternative for pathogen identification and diagnosis in cases where more traditional techniques fail, such as after antimicrobial treatment and […]

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a complex, multifaceted problem with epidemiological, therapeutic, and preventive implications. It has been defined as changes that occur in bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites over time and cause them to no longer respond to antimicrobial treatment.1 As a result, infections become harder to treat, and there is an increased risk of disease spread, severe morbidity, and mortality.1 Due to the alarming spread of AMR  and its severe consequences, the World Health Organization (WHO) has named it one of the top 10 global public health threats.1 AMR History and Today Antimicrobial resistance has existed as a natural […]

Specimen collection and quality are undoubtedly among the most critical steps in diagnosing a disease. This is because the method of sample collection and quality of samples obtained significantly affects the results of the diagnostic tests and, hence, the accuracy of diagnosis. In turn, this influences the appropriateness and effectiveness of medical care delivered to patients. A study performed in 2018 reported that the overall laboratory error rate is 0.3%; 65% of which were due to pre-analytical errors, which includes1: Inappropriate sample volume Poor sample collection Poor sample handling and processing Poor sample quality Different types of samples — blood, […]

Molecular testing is personalized healthcare at its most advanced. Still, because molecular diagnostics is a relatively young field fueled by new and emerging technologies, it’s essential for physicians to capture detailed data to establish medical necessity, determine payer responsibility and process reimbursement. Comprehensive test requisition forms and precise medical coding to support medical necessity are especially important for proprietary lab analyses (PLAs), such as those offered by MicroGenDX, and out-of-network lab tests, an umbrella under which many DNA-based diagnostics fall. As molecular tests may leave some patients facing out-of-pocket expenses, it’s also paramount for physicians to discuss this potential based […]