Telemicrobiology: Focusing on Quality in an Era of Laboratory Consolidation

The misinterpretation of or delay in reporting Gram stains or other microscopic examinations negatively impacts patient safety and can lead to inappropriate treatment, including unnecessary test procedures, ineffective antimicrobial therapy, and increased length of stay. Conversely, when a positive blood culture or spinal fluid Gram stain is reported appropriately and quickly, deployment of appropriate treatment regimens is expedited and is directly associated with decreased patient morbidity and mortality, decreased hospital stay, and overall improvement in patient outcomes. The misreading of microbiological specimens is a major concern in an era of laboratory consolidation and is only amplified by a shortage of well-qualified laboratory personnel who specialize in microbiology. Thus, the placement of telemicroscopy within the clinical microbiology laboratory is a real-world solution that will provide support for the interpretation of difficult specimens requiring microscopy and provide an additional layer of support for laboratory personnel who lack microbiology expertise.