Description
Learning Objectives
During the May 2024 ASM Virtual Journal Club we will discuss two recent articles taking differing approaches to broad pathogen detection from sterile specimens. Cox et al investigate off-label performance of a multiplex molecular panel designed for blood cultures and applied to sterile fluids. Osborn et al investigate performance of an amplicon-based sequencing approach directly from clinical specimens. Using these manuscripts as examples of wider themes we will discuss the following questions:
- What are opportunities and limitations to validating off-label broad molecular panels as compared to laboratory-developed sequencing assays?
- What types of benefits and challenges are offered by each approach?
- How do regulatory organizations and healthcare payers impact test development and off-label utilization?
Articles
- Cox CR, Weghorn KN, et al. 2024. Clinical utility of multiplex PCR in the detection of pathogens from sterile body fluids. J Clin Microbiol 62:e0161123.
- Osborn LJ, Fissel J, et al. 2024. Development of an automated amplicon-based next-generation sequencing pipeline for rapid detection of bacteria and fungi directly from clinical specimens. J Clin Microbiol 0:0174923.
Presenters
- Reddy Cheemarla, Ph.D., CPEP Medical and Public Health Microbiology Fellow, University of Washington Medical Center.
- Rama Yakubu, M.D., Ph.D., Microbiology Fellow, Yale University School of Medicine.
Moderator
- David Gaston, M.D., Ph.D., Medical Director, Molecular Infectious Disease Laboratory, Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Discussion Panel
- Allison Eberly, Ph.D., D(ABMM), Assistant Medical Director of Clinical Microbiology, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Assistant Professor, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
- Laura Filkins, Ph.D., D(ABMM), Director of Microbiology, Children's Health System of Texas, Assistant Professor, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
- Kenneth Gavina, Ph.D., D(ABMM), Medical Director of Clinical Microbiology and Serology, Eskenazi Health, Assistant Professor, Indiana University School of Medicine.