#120 – What’s Pneu in Community-Acquired Pneumonia
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Evaluating PCR Panels in Pneumonia Diagnosis
This chapter examines the increasing use of PCR panels for diagnosing respiratory pathogens in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and their effectiveness compared to traditional sputum cultures. It discusses the implications of PCR results on antibiotic treatment, the timing of administration, and the potential benefits and risks associated with these diagnostic tests. Additionally, the chapter addresses challenges in sample accuracy and the impact of increased antibiotic usage on patient outcomes.
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Drs. Whitney Hartlage (@whithartlage11) and Sam Windham join Dr. Ryan Moenster to discuss updates in the diagnosis and management of community-acquire pneumonia. Hear from our guests on the role of rapid diagnostic tests such as multiplex PCR and urinary antigen tests in the inpatient and outpatient setting, considerations for initiating steroids and withholding macrolides, and when to use short antibiotic durations.
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