Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are a significant public health concern due to their widespread transmission and high rates of illness and death globally. Syndromic molecular methods have enabled the detection of a wide range of respiratory viruses and bacteria. However, the use of extended respiratory panels has been limited to specific patient populations due to reimbursement challenges and inadequate usage guidance. Rapid and accurate identification of pathogens can guide treatment decisions, reduce healthcare costs, and support real-time infectious disease surveillance. 

In this webinar:

• Dr. Kaisha Gonzalez, Regional Director of Scientific Affairs (US & Canada) at Diasorin, will present an overview of the global burden of respiratory tract infections (RTIs). The presentation will highlight the clinical challenges associated with these infections and emphasize the need for flexible diagnostic testing strategies to adapt to the constantly changing and complex nature of respiratory pathogens.
• Dr. Heba Mostafa, Director of the Molecular Virology Laboratory at Johns Hopkins Hospital, will be discussing the recently proposed guidelines by the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM) for diagnosing respiratory viral infections. She will also talk about the importance of diagnostic stewardship for laboratories serving diverse patient populations. Additionally, she will present a recent analysis using the newly FDA cleared LIAISON PLEX^® Respiratory Flex Assay. This analysis will highlight the potential clinical benefits of customizable respiratory target selection, which could facilitate selection of respiratory viral targets beyond SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV.

Objectives:

• Review the global burden of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and discuss the clinical challenges associated with these infections.
• Explain the importance of diagnostic stewardship in laboratory testing by understanding the need for flexible diagnostic testing methods for respiratory pathogens.
• Examine the clinical benefits of customizable respiratory target selection.