Abstract
The clinical microbiology laboratory plays a critical role in diagnosis and management of patients with lower respiratory tract infection. When correctly and promptly used, the information provided by the clinical microbiology laboratory improves clinical outcomes, reduces unnecessary use of antibiotics, and prevents nosocomial transmissions. The primary aim of this chapter is to summarize assays and performance characteristics for respiratory pathogens to assist clinicians in efficient and effective use of the resources of the clinical microbiology laboratory in diagnosis of the causes of infections of the lower respiratory tract. Topics covered in this chapter include preanalytic factors, such as specimen collection, transport, and adequacy; assays including nucleic acid tests, antigen detection, microscopy, culture, serology, and interferon-γ release assay.
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