Collaborative medicine: weaving the microbiology laboratory into clinical practice.

Abstract

The case presentation of K kingae osteoarthritis used here illustrates technological and procedural advances in microbiological diagnostics and communication. These activities are active in the sense that molecular developments are driving rapid diagnoses and that rapidly communicated results have the potential to drive better decision making and care. The hypothesis that a newer, less passive microbiology ("interventional microbiology") can improve care and reduce costs deserves testing in several institutions. If confirmed, rapid implementation of diagnostic pathways into standard practice, point-of-care molecular diagnostics, enhancement of traditional culture methods, and effective communication in emergency departments and hospitals are warranted and should be a focus for quality improvement.