Improving acute infection diagnosis with host-response biomarkers and pathogen testing

Diagnostic uncertainty in acute infections remains a major challenge in emergency medicine, often leading to delayed treatment decisions, unnecessary antibiotic use, and avoidable pressure on clinical workflows. As acute care teams work to improve outcomes while using antibiotics more judiciously, there is growing interest in diagnostic strategies that can deliver faster, more reliable answers.

In this SelectScience^® webinar, delivered in partnership with Danaher, attendees will explore how combining pathogen-based testing with host-response biomarkers can help close this diagnostic gap. The session features a rebroadcast from the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine 2026 Annual Meeting (SAEM26), followed by a live Q&A, giving participants the opportunity to hear directly from experts working at the forefront of acute infection diagnosis.

The webinar will examine two complementary diagnostic approaches. The first session focuses on evidence-based strategies for evaluating pharyngitis, including the role of clinical scoring systems and pathogen-focused molecular testing for Group A Streptococcus. These tools can help improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce uncertainty, and support more appropriate antibiotic prescribing.

The second session will introduce host-response biomarkers as an emerging approach for differentiating bacterial from viral infection. By measuring the body’s immune response, these tests offer an additional layer of diagnostic insight that can complement traditional pathogen detection and support more targeted treatment decisions in acute care settings.

This webinar offers a valuable opportunity to hear how leading experts are applying these approaches in real-world clinical settings. Through practical examples and case-based discussion, attendees will gain insight into how host- and pathogen-focused strategies can be used to improve time-to-diagnosis, strengthen antimicrobial stewardship, and support better patient management. For clinicians, laboratorians, and acute care leaders looking to reduce diagnostic uncertainty and make faster, more confident decisions, this session will provide both strategic context and practical takeaways.

Through case-driven discussion, the speakers will highlight how these diagnostic approaches can be embedded into clinical workflows and aligned with stewardship goals. The session will also explore the potential impact on antibiotic optimization, patient disposition, and overall clinical outcomes.

Attendees can also request a certificate of attendance, including a learning outcomes summary, making this session a valuable resource for continuing education.