Effective Approaches to Diagnostic Stewardship of Syndromic Molecular Panels

Abstract

Background: Syndromic molecular panels for the diagnosis of gastroenteritis, meningitis/encephalitis, and pneumonia are becoming routinely used for patient care throughout the world. Content: These rapid, sample-to-answer assays have great potential to improve patient care, infection control, and antimicrobial stewardship. However, diagnostic stewardship is essential for their optimal use and accuracy, and interventions can be applied at all phases of the diagnostic process. Summary: The aim of this review article is to describe effective approaches to diagnostic stewardship for syndromic molecular panels to ensure appropriate test utilization and quality assured results.