ASM Microbe 2024

In the rapidly expanding landscape of molecular diagnostics, the focus is shifting from top to bottom, with a redirection from post-pandemic respiratory testing to developments in gastrointestinal (GI) diagnostics. This presentation delves into the journey of building a molecular GI test from the ground up and enhancing the laboratory's test menu with focused panels. Through a personal case study, attendees will gain insights into the decision-making process, strategic considerations, and collaborative efforts that have propelled one lab to its current standing. ​

Demonstrating the important relationship between laboratory and industry expertise, this presentation showcases how the collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Validation and Sample Preparation teams provided a custom research solution for a GI molecular test. Outlining the rationale behind creating focused panels, this presentation emphasizes the necessity for optimized workflows, pathogen relevance and anticipation of population needs.  From sample preparation to panel launch, this presentation traverses the sample prep journey and elaborates on the thought process behind choosing Thermo Fisher's GI OpenArray real-time PCR workflow solution.​

Learning Objectives:​

• Understand key considerations when selecting a new panel​

• Discover the significance of collaborative partnerships between client and industry​

• Describe use cases for syndromic and focused panels in GI testing

Introducing SuperScript IV Template Switching RT Master Mix that offers high template switching efficiency in cDNA reactions, exceptional sensitivity for easy detection of low abundance targets, and direct cDNA synthesis without RNA purification. This master mix formulation ensures fast and convenient usage that minimizes the need for optimization, simplifies reaction setup, and is compatible with different priming strategies and downstream applications. SuperScript IV Template Switching RT Master Mix enables cDNA synthesis for various applications such as PCR amplification, real-time PCR for gene expression analysis, single cell analysis, 5'RACE, RNA-seq, or second-strand cDNA synthesis.

In this workshop, Scott Pritchard from NextGen labs, will provide a comprehensive overview of the current epidemic of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States. He will discuss prevalence rates, demographic trends, and emerging challenges, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures. Discussion will explore criteria for STI testing, considering risk factors, screening guidelines, and early detection. Also, examining the relationship between STIs and vaginitis, addressing comorbidities, diagnostic considerations, and treatment implications. The presentation will highlight the significance of nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) in diagnosing STIs and vaginitis, comparing it to traditional methods, as well as cover issues of accessibility, accuracy, and regulation. Overall, this session will help equip healthcare professionals with knowledge and tools to combat the growing burden of STIs and vaginitis.

Learning Objectives:

• Gain knowledge about the current epidemic of STIs in the United States.

• Develop an understanding of the criteria for determining who should undergo STI testing. 

• Recognize the comorbidities associated with STIs and vaginitis.

• Appreciate the significance of nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) in diagnosing certain STIs and vaginitis.

The role of the microbiology laboratory and the choice of antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) method is crucial to determining the appropriate treatment for severe infections in critically ill patients. Delayed or inaccurate results, especially for patients with multi-drug resistant infections, can lead to less effective treatment and potential mortality.​ 
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Accurate minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) data can reduce turn-around times and favorably impact therapeutic decisions. The use of new generation therapeutics like sulbactam/durlobactam and MIC results for determining optimal treatment are critical in the face of growing antibiotic resistance. The availability of accurate broth microdilution-based MICs for new antibiotics can help improve patient outcomes and reduce the lengths-of-stay, therapeutic dosages and duration, adverse reactions, and costs.​ 
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Actions taken by the antimicrobial stewardship team to enforce the judicious use of antimicrobials are most effective when supported by timely diagnostic information from and collaboration with microbiology laboratory personnel. Effective collaborations among microbiologists, clinicians, the antimicrobial stewardship team, and policy makers can help improve patient care and meet the challenges of increased antibiotic resistance in a post-COVID world.