Rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing could improve outcomes in septic and intensive care patients

Dr. Giuliana Lo Cascio, Medical Doctor and Director of the Unit for Microbiology and Virology at Ospedale Gugliemo da Saliceto di Piacenza, emphasizes the transformative impact of rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) in clinical microbiology. By reducing turnaround time to 24 hours or less, this technology enables more targeted and effective treatment for septic and intensive care patients, optimizing therapy and improving patient outcomes.

Beyond patient care, rapid AST reshapes laboratory workflows, requiring strategic integration at both unit and hospital levels. However, adoption faces hurdles, including cost, technician training, and technical constraints in labs without 24-hour operations. Dr. Lo Cascio remains optimistic that, like molecular biology testing, costs will decrease with widespread use.

Collaboration between clinicians, microbiologists, hospital directors, and antimicrobial stewardship teams is essential to overcoming these challenges. By integrating new technologies effectively, hospitals can strengthen their fight against antimicrobial resistance and improve mortality rates.

This video was filmed at ESCMID Global 2025 in Vienna, Austria.