IDSA/ASM Release Updated ID Test Guide

The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and American Society for Microbiology (ASM) have updated their 2013 Guide to Utilization of the Microbiology Laboratory for Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases, intended to assist health care providers in deciding which tests are valuable in which contexts.

“The document is intended to serve as a guidance for physicians in choosing tests that will aid them to quickly and accurately diagnose infectious diseases in their patients,” they wrote.

IF YOU LIKE THIS, READ MORE...

Infectious Disease News: WHO’s Essential Diagnostics List, AAP Flu Vax Recommendations, and More

Procalcitonin Test: New Tool to Guide Antibiotics for Lower Respiratory Infections and Sepsis

The 94-page document includes tables detailing the use and limitations of the various tests, expanded sections on pediatric needs and testing for tick-borne diseases, and advancements in diagnostics.

The guide also includes tips for the collection, labeling, and management of specimens.

“This guide is not intended to supplant physician judgment with respect to particular patients or special clinical situations. The IDSA considers adherence to the recommendations in this guide to be voluntary, with the ultimate determination regarding their application to be made by the physician in the light of each patient’s individual circumstances.”

—Michael Potts

Reference:

Miller JM, Binnicker MJ, Campbell S, et al. A Guide to utilization of the microbiology laboratory for diagnosis of infectious diseases: 2018 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American Society for Microbiology [published online June 28, 2018]. Clinical infectious Diseases. https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciy381.