The role of diagnostics in tackling AMR and sepsis
CLINICAL24
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a global health crisis recognized by WHO, and sepsis, a leading cause of mortality worldwide, are among the most pressing challenges in modern healthcare, with infections that were once easily treatable now posing life-threatening risks. Accurate and timely clinical diagnostics, including microbiology and molecular testing, are at the heart of the fight against these threats, enabling clinicians to identify pathogens, determine their susceptibility to treatment, and implement targeted therapies. From rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) platforms such as automated phenotypic systems, to advanced molecular tools like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS), innovative diagnostic solutions are reshaping clinical decision-making, improving patient outcomes, and supporting global efforts to curb the spread of resistant infections.
This SelectScience® CLINICAL24 feature is a dedicated resource for clinicians and laboratory scientists in the NHS. It also serves medical laboratory scientists working in clinical laboratories such as Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp and the Mayo Clinic. The feature explores how diagnostics are driving the next wave of innovation in managing AMR and sepsis, highlighting real-world applications and emerging technologies. It also emphasises the critical role of laboratories and infectious disease specialists in safeguarding public health.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is antimicrobial resistance (AMR)?
AMR occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist the effects of antimicrobial drugs, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of severe illness and death.
Why is sepsis a global health concern?
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the body’s extreme response to infection. It can lead to organ failure and death if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Institutions such as the Global Sepsis Alliance and the UK Sepsis Trust work tirelessly to promote conversation between healthcare professionals and to keep sepsis on the global healthcare agenda.
How do laboratory diagnostics help combat AMR and sepsis?
Rapid and accurate diagnostic tools enable clinicians to identify pathogens and their resistance profiles quickly, ensuring timely and targeted treatment while reducing unnecessary antibiotic use.
What types of diagnostic technologies are used?
Common technologies include blood culture systems, molecular assays, host-response biomarkers, and point-of-care tests that provide faster results compared to traditional methods.
How does early diagnosis improve patient outcomes?
Early detection of infection and resistance patterns allows clinicians to initiate appropriate therapy sooner, reducing complications, hospital stays, and mortality rates.
Are these diagnostic tools widely available?
Access varies globally. While advanced molecular and rapid tests are increasingly adopted in high-resource settings, improving availability in low-resource regions remains a priority for global health equity.
What role do laboratories play in antimicrobial stewardship?
Clinical laboratories provide essential data on pathogen identification and susceptibility, guiding clinicians in selecting the most effective and responsible antimicrobial therapy. Biomedical Scientists, Medical Laboratory Scientists, laboratory managers, clinical researchers and clinicians around the world can keep up to date on the latest antimicrobial resistance (AMR) related technologies and stewardship strategies on SelectScience.
Where can I learn more about sepsis and antimicrobial resistance?
SelectScience hosts regular CPD accredited clinical microbiology webinars on the topics of sepsis and AMR. SelectScience clinical CPD webinars are suitable for self certification in IBMS portfolios for UK-based Biomedical Scientists, many webinars are also ASCLS P.A.C.E and ADLM ACCENT accredited for US Medical Laboratory Scientists.