Who to Test, When, and for What: Why Diagnostic Stewardship in Infectious Diseases Matters

J Mol Diagn. 2020 Sep;22(9):1109-1113. doi: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2020.06.012. Epub 2020 Jul 3.

Abstract

New rapid molecular diagnostic technologies for infectious diseases provide faster diagnostic test results and, if used correctly, will enable more rapid delivery of care to patients. This perspective piece outlines how this new technology can be used more effectively-with a focus on collaborative team approaches and tools clinicians and laboratorians can use to optimally affect patient care. This article also showcases a patient case, outlining problems with the diagnostic process as it currently stands, and poses potential strategies on how this process may be improved.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Communicable Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Communicable Diseases / pathology
  • Delivery of Health Care / methods*
  • Diagnostic Errors*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Meningitis / diagnosis*
  • Meningitis / pathology
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / methods*
  • Patient Care / methods*
  • Spinal Puncture*
  • Unnecessary Procedures*