Do the Right Thing: Host & Pathogen Testing for ED Respiratory Cases

Presented by: Danaher

Moderator: Melissa Naiman, PhD, EMT-B - Sr Director, Medical & Scientific Affairs - Acute Care, Beckman Coulter

Speakers:

• Ike Northern, MT, SM(ASCP), MS - Director of Infectious Disease Testing, CompuNet Clinical Lab
• Michael B. Holbrook, MD, MBA, FACEP - Director, Emergency Informatics Partner, Miami Valley Emergency Specialists
• Patrick M. Grace, MD, FACEP - Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine

Time: 1:00pm – 1:45pm
(A meal or premium snacks will be provided, based on the time of day.)

Location: Exhibit Hall, Expert Theater 2

Acute respiratory illness is a leading source of diagnostic uncertainty in the ED, with implications for antibiotic prescribing, patient disposition, and outcomes. This case-based session will explore how host-response and rapid pathogen-based diagnostics can meaningfully influence clinical decisions, examining where and when testing add clarity vs noise. Through real-world scenarios, experts in emergency and laboratory medicine will share practical strategies for test selection, results interpretation and workflow integration. Discussion will emphasize coordinated lab and clinician approaches to support diagnostic excellence and improve patient outcomes.