Impact of Changes in Clinical Microbiology Laboratory Location and Ownership on the Practice of Infectious Diseases
Michael Pentella, Melvin P. Weinstein, Susan E. Beekmann, Philip M. Polgreen, Richard T. Ellison
Abstract
= 38) reported that movement of core laboratory functions offsite was being considered. The respondents reported that only 24% of laboratories banked all isolates, with the majority saving isolates for less than 30 days. Based on these results, the trend toward centralized core laboratories negatively impacts the practice of ID physicians, potentially delays effective implementation of prompt and targeted care for patients with serious infections, and similarly adversely impacts infection control epidemiologic investigations.
Topics & Concepts
Clinical microbiologyEconomic shortageInfectious disease (medical specialty)MedicineConsolidation (business)Medical laboratoryMicrobiologyIntensive care medicineDiseaseBiologyBusinessInternal medicinePathologyAccountingLinguisticsPhilosophyGovernment (linguistics)Bacterial Identification and Susceptibility TestingClinical Laboratory Practices and Quality ControlAntibiotic Use and Resistance