Navigating the Pitfalls of Sepsis Testing
Description:
Accurate diagnosis of sepsis remains a critical yet complex challenge in modern clinical practice. False-negative results may delay life-saving therapy, while contaminated cultures and misleading molecular findings can prompt unnecessary antimicrobial exposure, prolonged hospitalization, and increased healthcare costs.
This session will examine the diagnostic limitations and vulnerabilities of current sepsis testing modalities, including blood cultures and rapid molecular platforms. Participants will review common pitfalls across the diagnostic workflow from specimen collection to interpretation, and explore practical, evidence-based strategies to distinguish true infection from contamination. Emphasis will be placed on diagnostic stewardship, antimicrobial decision-making, and systems-based approaches to improving accuracy and patient safety in suspected sepsis.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this session, the learner should be able to:
- Identify common causes of false-negative and false-positive (contaminant) results in sepsis diagnostic testing, including blood cultures and rapid molecular assays;
- Differentiate true bloodstream infection from specimen contamination using clinical, microbiologic, and laboratory data;
- Evaluate pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic factors that contribute to diagnostic inaccuracies in sepsis testing;
- Apply evidence-based strategies to optimize blood culture collection, antimicrobial timing, and diagnostic stewardship to reduce errors and improve patient outcomes;
- Integrate principles of antimicrobial stewardship into clinical decision-making when confronted with discordant or ambiguous sepsis test results.
Target Audience:
Nurses, advanced practice providers, physicians, emergency responders, pharmacists, medical technologists, respiratory therapists, physical/occupational therapists, infection prevention specialists, data/quality specialists, and more.
Cindy Hou, DO, MA, MBA, CIC, CPHQ, FACOI, FACP, FIDSA, FAPIC
Infection Control Officer and Medical Director of Research
Jefferson Health – New Jersey
Cindy Hou, DO, MA, MBA, CIC, CPHQ, FACOI, FACP, FIDSA, FAPIC, is the Infection Control Officer and Medical Director of Research for Jefferson Health – New Jersey and an Infectious Diseases specialist. She has expertise in sepsis, antibiotic stewardship, infection control, patient safety, clinical quality, equity, and language access.
Dr. Hou is the Chief Medical Officer of Sepsis Alliance and a member of its Board of Directors. She earned her M.B.A. and M.A. from Boston University, a D.O. from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, and her B.S. from Yale University.
Dr. Hou is the principal investigator for an Office of Minority Health grant to reduce inequities in those with limited English proficiency. She is the co-editor of the book, “COVID-19 Viral Sepsis: Impact on Disparities, Disability, and Health Outcomes.”
Dr. Hou has a Certification in Infection Prevention and Control, is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality, and is a Certified Professional in Patient Safety. Dr. Hou is a Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Internists, American College of Physicians, Infectious Diseases Society of America, and Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology.