Let's Talk Micro

214: Beyond the Bench: Optimization & Stewardship in Action

In this final episode of our special four-part series in partnership with bioMérieux, we bring all the pieces together. Throughout the series, we explored the diagnostic pathway from multiple angles: * Episode 1: The evolution of antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) * Episode 2: Molecular diagnostics for bloodstream infections * Episode 3: FAST AST and the impact of getting susceptibility data hours sooner Today, in Episode 4, we shift to diagnostic stewardship and lab optimization — the strategies that ensure the right tests are used at the right time, and that workflows support efficient, meaningful, and actionable results. Luis is joined by Alyssa Walker, Infectious Diseases Pharmacist and Medical Advisor, and Jenny Harder, Lab Optimization Consultant with experience in managing a microbiology laboratory. Together, they explore how smarter workflows and better diagnostic decisions amplify the value of every ID and AST result. In This Episode: * What diagnostic stewardship really means — right test, right patient, right time * How lab optimization streamlines workflow, reduces waste, and improves turnaround times * Key challenges labs face today (staffing, training, legacy processes) and how to address them * How tools like BioFire Fireworks and Syndromic Trends enhance decision-making and support stewardship By connecting stewardship principles with optimized workflows, labs can turn rapid diagnostics into real clinical impact — faster decisions, smarter therapy, and better patient outcomes. This episode is sponsored by bioMérieux, a global innovator in infectious disease diagnostics. Missed the earlier episodes in this bioMérieux series? Here they are: * Episode 198 – Let's Talk: The Evolution of AST * Episode 204 – In the Bloodstream: Diagnosing Infections Faster * Episode 211 – At the Speed of AST: Diagnosing Resistance Faster This episode is sponsored by bioMérieux, a global innovator in infectious disease diagnostics. Resources from this episode: * bioMérieux Sepsis Webinar [https://info.biomerieux.com/clin_us_2024_torch_bcid2-panel_webinar_register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=LetsTalkMicro] * https://info.biomerieux.com/clin_us_2024_ams_handbook?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=LetsTalkMicro [https://info.biomerieux.com/clin_us_2024_ams_handbook?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=LetsTalkMicro] Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro: * Website: letstalkmicro.com [https://www.letstalkmicro.com/] * Questions or feedback? Email me at letstalkmicro@outlook.com [letstalkmicro@outlook.com] * Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8 [https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8] Support the podcast: * Venmo [https://venmo.com/u/letstalkmicro] * Buy me a Ko-fi [https://ko-fi.com/letstalkmicro]

213: Micro Minutes: When Bacteria Break the Rules

In this Micro Minutes episode, Luis breaks down classic microbiology traits that usually hold true, but not always. From indole-negative E. coli to non-swarming Proteus and oxidase-negative Pseudomonas, this quick episode highlights real-world exceptions that can catch techs and students off guard. Learn how to spot: * Indole-negative E. coli (98% rule + inactive biotypes) * Lactose-fermenting look-alikes like Citrobacter freundii * Proteus species that don't swarm * Pseudomonas species that test oxidase negative A fast, practical reminder that no single biochemical test should stand alone. Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro: * Website: letstalkmicro.com [https://www.letstalkmicro.com/] * Questions or feedback? Email me at letstalkmicro@outlook.com [letstalkmicro@outlook.com] * Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8 [https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8] Support the podcast: * Venmo [https://venmo.com/u/letstalkmicro] * Buy me a Ko-fi [https://ko-fi.com/letstalkmicro]

212: Micro Minutes: Sometimes MacConkey Lies

Welcome to the very first Micro Minutes, a new quick-hit series from Let's Talk Micro designed for students, techs, and anyone who wants fast, practical microbiology insights in under 10 minutes. In this episode, we tackle a common misconception that microbiologists can make at the bench when interpreting a single plate: MacConkey agar. Many assume: "If it doesn't grow on MacConkey, it's not a gram-negative rod." "If it does grow on MacConkey, it must be a gram-negative rod." Both are wrong — and today we break down why. Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro: * Website: letstalkmicro.com [https://www.letstalkmicro.com/] * Questions or feedback? Email me at letstalkmicro@outlook.com [letstalkmicro@outlook.com] * Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8 [https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8] Support the podcast: * Venmo [https://venmo.com/u/letstalkmicro] * Buy me a Ko-fi [https://ko-fi.com/letstalkmicro]

211: At the Speed of AST: Diagnosing Resistance Faster

In the third installment of our special series in partnership with bioMérieux, Luis welcomes back Dr. Sonali Kalathiya, infectious diseases pharmacist and medical advisor at bioMérieux, to explore how innovation is accelerating antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). Together they dive into FAST AST—a phenotypic susceptibility test that delivers actionable results directly from positive blood cultures in hours instead of days. They discuss how this technology works, how it complements molecular testing, and how it's transforming patient care, antimicrobial stewardship, and laboratory workflows. From implementation and training to real-world clinical impact, this episode uncovers what it truly means to diagnose resistance at the speed of AST. 🎧 Tune in to learn how faster results are helping clinicians act sooner, optimize therapy, and improve patient outcomes. This episode is sponsored by bioMérieux, a global innovator in infectious disease diagnostics. Resources from this episode: * bioMérieux Sepsis Webinar [https://info.biomerieux.com/clin_us_2024_torch_bcid2-panel_webinar_register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=LetsTalkMicro] * https://info.biomerieux.com/clin_us_2024_ams_handbook?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=LetsTalkMicro [https://info.biomerieux.com/clin_us_2024_ams_handbook?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=LetsTalkMicro] Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro: * Website: letstalkmicro.com [https://www.letstalkmicro.com/] * Questions or feedback? Email me at letstalkmicro@outlook.com [letstalkmicro@outlook.com] * Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8 [https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8] Support the podcast: * Venmo [https://venmo.com/u/letstalkmicro] * Buy me a Ko-fi [https://ko-fi.com/letstalkmicro]

210: IDWeek 2025 Highlights: From Bench to Bedside

Just back from IDWeek 2025 in Atlanta, Luis shares the sessions and posters that defined this year's meeting — from next-generation sequencing and diagnostic stewardship to AI in the microbiology lab and new antimicrobials on the horizon. Tune in for insights on: * NGS test utilization and stewardship * New β-lactamase inhibitors like nacubactam * AI's growing role in clinical microbiology * Tedizolid and the importance of optimizing existing agents 🎧 Whether you were in Atlanta or following from afar, this episode captures the energy and innovation of IDWeek — and what it means for the future of diagnostics, stewardship, and patient care. Resources Learn more about ID Week : https://idweek.org/ [https://idweek.org/] Infectious Diseases Society of America: https://www.idsociety.org/ [https://www.idsociety.org/] Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro: * Website: letstalkmicro.com [https://www.letstalkmicro.com/] * Questions or feedback? Email me at letstalkmicro@outlook.com Support the podcast: * Venmo [https://venmo.com/u/letstalkmicro] * Buy me a Ko-fi [https://ko-fi.com/letstalkmicro]