Diagnostic Stewardship for Next-Generation Sequencing Assays in Clinical Microbiology: An Appeal for Thoughtful Collaboration.

Next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based assays are primarily available from reference laboratories for diagnostic use. These tests can provide helpful diagnostic data but also can be overused by ordering providers not fully understanding their limitations. At present, there are few best practice guidelines for use. NGS-based assays can carry a high cost to institutions and individual patients, requiring thoughtful use through application of diagnostic stewardship principles. This article provides an overview of diagnostic stewardship approaches as applied to these assays, focusing on principles of collaboration, differential diagnosis formation, and seeking the best patient, syndrome, sample, timing, and test for improved patient care.

Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 on Infectious Diseases Fellows in the United States: Perspectives From the First National Infectious Diseases Fellows Call.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected many providers, but its impact on Infectious Diseases (ID) fellows in the United States is largely undescribed. In this study, we discuss key issues that emerged from the first national ID Fellows Call with respect to the ID fellow's role during the COVID-19 pandemic, teaching/learning, and research.