Safer, Better, Faster, and Stronger: Clinical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, a Great Duo in Action.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-2-2026

Publication Title

Infectious disease clinics of North America

Abstract

The partnership between clinical microbiology laboratories (CMLs) and infection prevention programs (IPPs) is crucial for protecting patient and community health. Advances in technology, including rapid molecular diagnostics, next-generation sequencing, and laboratory automation, allow for earlier detection of healthcare-associated infections, multidrug-resistant organisms, and emerging pathogens. Close collaboration among CMLs, IPPs, antimicrobial stewardship teams, and infectious disease specialists ensures the appropriate adoption of tests, diagnostic stewardship, and adherence to evidence-based guidelines. Despite challenges like cost constraints, staffing shortages, and the shift toward culture-independent testing, adaptive CML-IPP partnerships remain essential for delivering faster, safer, and more effective health care.

Volume

S0891-5520

Issue

26

First Page

00017-6

DOI

10.1016/j.idc.2026.01.007

ISSN

1557-9824

PubMed ID

41775580

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