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Vandenberg O, Durand G, Hallin M, Diefenbach A, Gant V, Murray P, Kozlakidis Z, van Belkum A. Consolidation of Clinical Microbiology Laboratories and Introduction of Transformative Technologies. Clin Microbiol Rev 2020; 33:e00057-19. [PMID: 32102900 PMCID: PMC7048017 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00057-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical microbiology is experiencing revolutionary advances in the deployment of molecular, genome sequencing-based, and mass spectrometry-driven detection, identification, and characterization assays. Laboratory automation and the linkage of information systems for big(ger) data management, including artificial intelligence (AI) approaches, also are being introduced. The initial optimism associated with these developments has now entered a more reality-driven phase of reflection on the significant challenges, complexities, and health care benefits posed by these innovations. With this in mind, the ongoing process of clinical laboratory consolidation, covering large geographical regions, represents an opportunity for the efficient and cost-effective introduction of new laboratory technologies and improvements in translational research and development. This will further define and generate the mandatory infrastructure used in validation and implementation of newer high-throughput diagnostic approaches. Effective, structured access to large numbers of well-documented biobanked biological materials from networked laboratories will release countless opportunities for clinical and scientific infectious disease research and will generate positive health care impacts. We describe why consolidation of clinical microbiology laboratories will generate quality benefits for many, if not most, aspects of the services separate institutions already provided individually. We also define the important role of innovative and large-scale diagnostic platforms. Such platforms lend themselves particularly well to computational (AI)-driven genomics and bioinformatics applications. These and other diagnostic innovations will allow for better infectious disease detection, surveillance, and prevention with novel translational research and optimized (diagnostic) product and service development opportunities as key results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Vandenberg
- Innovation and Business Development Unit, LHUB-ULB, Groupement Hospitalier Universitaire de Bruxelles (GHUB), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Géraldine Durand
- bioMérieux, Microbiology Research and Development, La Balme Les Grottes, France
| | - Marie Hallin
- Department of Microbiology, LHUB-ULB, Groupement Hospitalier Universitaire de Bruxelles (GHUB), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Andreas Diefenbach
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Labor Berlin, Charité-Vivantes GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vanya Gant
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Murray
- BD Life Sciences Integrated Diagnostic Solutions, Scientific Affairs, Sparks, Maryland, USA
| | - Zisis Kozlakidis
- Laboratory Services and Biobank Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization, Lyon, France
| | - Alex van Belkum
- bioMérieux, Open Innovation and Partnerships, La Balme Les Grottes, France
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