The Impact Of Clinical Protocols In The Management Of Severe Sepsis: A Prospective Cohort Study

A commentary on the role of molecular technology and automation in clinical diagnostics

“…2 Global developments in medicine, including advances in education and training for medical students, continuous professional development for qualified physicians, modern cleaner hospitals with single en-suite accommodation, improved infection control practices, newer antimicrobial therapies, advanced molecular technology used in the laboratory, and sepsis management protocols have all contributed to the decline in sepsis-related deaths. 3 Previous studies have shown a direct link between outcomes from infectious illnesses and time to pathogen identification. 4 Consequently, laboratory testing volumes are increasing by 10-15% per year internationally, driven partly by infection control demands, with enhanced screening for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and multi-drug resistant organisms such as vancomycin-resistant enterococci, extended spectrum β-lactamases, and carbapenemase-resistant enterobacteriaceae.…”