Molecular niches for the laboratory diagnosis of sepsis

Bloodstream infections are among the top causes of death in the US, and substantial mortality is attributed to testing delays in determination of the microbial cause(s) and selection of the appropriate antibiotic. In this review, we summarize the human and financial impact of sepsis, as well as the predisposing factors, symptoms, and common modes of bacterial pathogenesis. We also detail important clinical and laboratory criteria for the diagnosis of sepsis and key aspects of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines as they relate to diagnosis, therapy, and resuscitation from the septic event. Clinical laboratories must expand their understanding of the complexities related to diagnosing and treating sepsis in order to expand their role as productive members of interdisciplinary health care teams focused on improving survival from sepsis and limiting the financial impact that sepsis imparts on our health care systems.