Antibiotic Awareness Week 2025

Fast-Tracking the Fight: The Role of Rapid Diagnostics in Antibiotic Stewardship

Happy Antimicrobial Awareness Week! It's the perfect time to recognize the vital role microbiology laboratories play in our fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These labs are the bedrock of diagnostic information, providing the crucial data needed to combat AMR head-on. By accurately identifying organisms and performing antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), they guide timely, effective treatment decisions. This is more critical than ever in an era where AMR poses a growing global threat.

From Manual to Automated

Traditional microbiology workflows are often manual and time-consuming, a significant factor in treatment delays and the overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Thankfully, Total Laboratory Automation (TLA) is now making these workflows far more efficient.

Systems like the BD Kiestra™ and Copan WASPlab® use robotic arms to automate specimen processing, from culture plate inoculation and streaking to transportation along robotic tracks to a "smart" incubator. These advanced incubators not only maintain optimal growth conditions but also capture high-resolution digital images at timed intervals.

The true power of TLA lies in its use of machine learning and AI-powered software. These systems utilize sophisticated algorithms to automatically detect and count colonies, screen out negative cultures, and identify potential pathogens based on colony morphology and color on specific media. This standardization and efficiency drastically reduce turnaround times, enabling earlier pathogen identification.

The Rise of Rapid AST

Coupled with TLA, innovative rapid AST platforms are truly revolutionary. Traditional AST can take 24 to 48 hours, delaying optimal treatment and potentially contributing to the development of drug-resistant bacteria. New systems are changing this.

The Q-Linea ASTar System, for instance, uses advanced microscopy and time-lapse imaging to observe how individual bacteria respond to antibiotics, providing results from positive blood cultures in just 6 hours. Similarly, VITEK REVEAL employs a novel sensor technology that detects volatile organic compounds emitted by bacteria, while LifeScale utilizes a unique microfluidic approach to measure changes in bacterial cell mass. All of these platforms bypass the traditional need for subculturing, saving critical time.

The Clinical Impact

The clinical impact of these advancements is profound. Clinical trials have demonstrated that rapid identification and phenotypic AST methods, when implemented alongside an antimicrobial stewardship program, lead to faster antibiotic modifications¹ and, in turn, reduce antimicrobial resistance.

Ultimately, this technology strengthens the collaboration between clinical teams and the microbiology lab. The lab’s ability to provide rapid, actionable results becomes the trigger for immediate clinical action, optimizing patient care and protecting our precious antibiotic arsenal.