Sepsis remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially among hospitalized and critically ill patients. Early recognition and prompt initiation of targeted therapy are crucial, as delays in appropriate antimicrobial treatment significantly worsen clinical outcomes. Microbiological diagnostics play a key role in confirming infection, identifying the pathogen, and guiding optimal therapy.
This webinar will focus on the current capabilities and challenges of rapid microbiological diagnostics in sepsis. We will present the full diagnostic pathway – from optimal blood culture sampling and handling, through rapid pathogen identification, detection of resistance mechanisms, susceptibility testing, and ultimately to the release of a complete and clinically actionable result. Special attention will be given to the available rapid diagnostic tools, including mass spectrometry and molecular -based methods, their turnaround times, sensitivity, specificity, and clinical utility.
Participants will gain insight into the advantages and limitations of each diagnostic step, and how faster microbiological results can impact real-time therapeutic decisions. The session will include practical examples from clinical cases, highlighting how rapid diagnostics support antimicrobial stewardship and shorten time to effective treatment.
Key Learning Objectives
- The current capabilities and challenges of rapid microbiological diagnostics of sepsis, including the role of new technologies used in hospital laboratories.
- Explanation of each step of the diagnostic pathway for sepsis — from sample collection to the release of actionable results — and how it supports timely and effective antimicrobial treatment.
- Application of knowledge from clinical case examples to understand how rapid diagnostics influence patient outcomes and optimize sepsis management.
- Comparison of rapid diagnostic methods such as mass spectrometry and molecular assays in terms of turnaround time, sensitivity, specificity, and clinical relevance.
