Do we give too much unsolicited advice? microbiologymatters.com/?p=4146

Is “perfect” the enemy of good microbiology? microbiologymatters.com/?p=4157

What are you thinking of when that positive blood culture just won’t grow on the plates? microbiologymatters.com/?p=4180

I am interested to know if you routinely report amoxycillin/clavulanate (Augmentin) as susceptible (if it tests as susceptible) on ESBL producing organisms from: i) Urine isolates ii) Blood cultures What is the current thinking on this? Thanks

It is not every day that you see a plate like this in the lab, especially in New Zealand!

When susceptibilities to Group A streptococcus are required (i.e. penicillin allergy), does your laboratory i)test against and ii)report cotrimoxazole? Thanks

How do you convey the clinical significance (or lack thereof) of a microbiology result to the clinician? microbiologymatters.com/?p=4193

At the ESCMID conference in Barcelona and the lecture theatres are bursting at the seams! With over 18000 registered, there must be very few places now with conference facilities big enough to host this event. #ESCMIDGlobal2024

The main difference between ECCMID 2014 and ECCMID 2024 in Barcelona, apart from the number of delegates having doubled, is that now there is the aroma of weed everywhere you walk. (The conference centre being the notable exception…) #ESCMIDGlobal2024 #ECCMID2024

Interesting talk on the use of AI in research articles by Ursula Hofer. How long will it be before computers are far superior to humans at writing journal articles; 5, 10, 20 years? This technology has limitations at the moment but it is clearly the future… #ECCMID2024

Is diagnostic stewardship a focus of your microbiology laboratory? microbiologymatters.com/?p=4204

“Would you swim in the River Seine, or just during the Olympics?” microbiologymatters.com/?p=4212

Microbiology Case Study: Not all Gram-Positive Bacilli from Positive Blood Cultures are Contaminants. A 78 year old woman was transferred from a nursing home to the Emergency Room because of delirium and worsening bilateral chronic foul-smelling hip wounds...

The lab should have reasonable evidence a UTI is present before reporting susceptibilities… microbiologymatters.com/?p=4225

Have you thought about how Artificial Intelligence might impact your lab over the next decade? microbiologymatters.com/?p=4236

A very interesting paper with some familiar names on the authorship! Congratulations to all involved. This certainly provides food for thought regarding susceptibility testing and prescribing of some less utilised antibiotics in lieu of carbapenems.

We've all been there: a Saturday on call in the hospital, with a list of 30 patients to round on 😵‍💫 Ward rounding can seem like an endless task - but it doesn't have to be! ⏰ Here are my top 10 tips for ward rounding efficiency 🧵-

This is not something we think about much in our day to day work in the microbiology lab. Maybe we should? microbiologymatters.com/?p=4245

This is important work that all ID/CMs should be aware of.