What is a general principle when implementing rapid diagnostics in antimicrobial stewardship?

• A. Evaluate current processes before adopting new technology
• B. Buy new technology first
• C. Wait for all results before acting
• D. Stop rounds

Answer: (A)

Understanding how rapid diagnostics will change clinical decision-making depends on first mapping and optimizing current workflows. Even the best rapid test only improves care if results are seamlessly integrated into who orders, interprets, and acts on them. By evaluating existing processes before adoption, you identify where results will be reported, who should act on them, how decisions will be escalated, and what triggers changes in therapy. This alignment ensures faster, appropriate therapy, timely de-escalation when possible, and smooth incorporation into antimicrobial stewardship activities, rather than collecting a powerful tool that sits unused or causes new bottlenecks.

Buying new technology without assessing workflows can lead to underutilization or misalignment. Waiting for all results before acting undermines the advantage of rapid diagnostics, defeating the purpose of speed. Stopping rounds is not a principle for implementing rapid diagnostics and would remove essential stewardship oversight.