Current Issues in Clinical Microbiology: An Overview

Guest edited by Drs. Nicole D. Pecora and Matthew Pettengill, this issue of Clinics in Laboratory Medicine delves into the latest trends and updates in clinical microbiology. The topics covered include diagnostics of bloodstream infections, syndromic testing, lab consolidation, susceptibility testing, genomics, automation, and more.

Update in Diagnostics of Bloodstream Infections

This section provides insights into the advancements in diagnosing bloodstream infections, focusing on the challenges and opportunities in improving patient outcomes.

Lab Consolidation and Centralization

With the increasing need for cost-effective and efficient laboratory operations, this topic discusses the impact of lab consolidation and centralization on clinical microbiology services.

Update in Susceptibility Testing: Phenotypic and Genotypic Methods

This section explores the latest developments in susceptibility testing, comparing phenotypic and genotypic methods to aid in antimicrobial stewardship and patient care.

Genomics in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory

As genomic technologies continue to evolve, this topic examines the role of genomics in enhancing diagnostic capabilities and improving patient management in clinical microbiology.

Automation in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory

This section highlights the benefits and challenges of implementing automation in clinical microbiology labs, including improved efficiency, reduced errors, and enhanced patient care.

Coronavirus Detection in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory: Are We Ready for Identifying and Diagnosing a Novel Strain?

Given the ongoing pandemic, this topic is particularly relevant, discussing the preparedness of clinical microbiology labs to detect and diagnose novel strains of coronaviruses.

Update on Biosafety and Emerging Infections for the Clinical Microbiology Lab

This section emphasizes the importance of biosafety measures and protocols in clinical microbiology labs, especially when dealing with emerging infections.

Update in Clinical Mycology

This topic covers recent advances in the diagnosis and management of fungal infections, highlighting the critical role of clinical mycology in patient care.

Point of Care Testing in Microbiology

Point of care testing (POCT) is becoming increasingly important in microbiology. This section discusses the benefits and limitations of POCT in improving patient outcomes and laboratory efficiency.

Pediatric Diagnostic Microbiology

This section focuses on the unique challenges and considerations in pediatric diagnostic microbiology, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches to diagnose and manage infections in children.

Antimicrobial Stewardship: What the Clinical Laboratory Needs to Know

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern worldwide. This topic outlines the critical role of clinical laboratories in antimicrobial stewardship efforts to promote responsible use of antibiotics.

Fellowship Training for the Future Clinical Microbiology Laboratory Director

This section discusses the importance of comprehensive fellowship training for future clinical microbiology laboratory directors, ensuring they are equipped to handle the complex challenges in this field.

Update in Diagnostics/Susceptibility of Mycobacterial Diseases

This topic covers the latest developments in diagnosing and managing mycobacterial diseases, including tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections.

Role of the Clinical Microbiology Lab in One Health

This section explores the critical role of clinical microbiology labs in the One Health initiative, which aims to address the interconnected health challenges shared by humans, animals, and the environment.

Update in Infectious Disease Diagnosis in Surgical Pathology

This topic highlights the importance of collaboration between clinical microbiology and surgical pathology in diagnosing and managing infectious diseases.