Testing Algorithms Discussion: Preparing for the 2022-23 Respiratory Season

Antigen Versus Molecular Testing Methods

In this webinar, you will learn about the different algorithms available for COVID-19 testing. The presenters will share the differing opinions about antigen versus molecular tests and how they may affect patient care and help limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2. They will also discuss identifying COVID-19 versus flu due to symptom similarities and how diagnosis is being managed. Could syndromic panels help distinguish between the diseases?

Institutions must decide which algorithm works best for them and consider other important factors for method selection, including cost, reimbursement potential, and time to result. They must also ask:

• Which assays will be most effective?
• Will the test be performed in the laboratory or at the bedside?
• When should the tests be performed?

The presenters will offer their opinions on algorithms and why certain assays are best suited for patient care and disease mitigation. By the end of the session, you should have a better understanding of the differences between molecular and antigen testing and how use of either method could best serve your needs.

Learning Objectives

This webinar will help you:

• Examine the different testing algorithms that are available for respiratory infections
• Explain the differences between antigen and molecular testing and when each type is indicated
• State the benefits and detriments of syndromic testing for respiratory targets

Watch on Demand

Fisher Healthcare is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.™ Program. One P.A.C.E.™ credit-hour will be provided for this complimentary basic level program.

Matthew J. Binnicker, PhD

Dr. Matthew J. Binnicker is a professor of laboratory medicine and pathology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He studies viral infections and new ways to diagnose and manage viral diseases. Specifically, Binnicker works to develop novel molecular methods to detect viruses causing respiratory infections and diseases in the transplant patient population. His research emphasizes laboratory methods to detect viral pathogens directly from clinical samples and providing results in more timely and accurate ways.

Paul Drain, MD, MPH, FIDSA

Dr. Paul Drain is an associate professor in the Departments of Global Health, Medicine (Infectious Diseases), and Epidemiology at the University of Washington in Seattle. A board-certified physician in internal medicine and infectious disease, Drain is an attending physician for the University of Washington Medical Center. He received his MD and MPH from the University of Washington, completed his internship and residency at Stanford University, and was a clinical fellow at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School.