'Reemerging Threats, Reimagined Strategies'

Infectious diseases are resurging, and clinical labs are once again on the front lines. Measles cases in the US have hit a 30-year high, while sepsis continues to cause 11 million deaths globally each year and remains the nation’s leading cause of hospital readmissions. At the same time, labs face rising demand and shrinking resources, as Medicare cuts and reduced public health funding strain already stretched systems. In this issue, we explore how labs are responding with smarter diagnostics, strategic innovation, and a renewed commitment to public health.

Our Pathogen Detection feature explores the complexity of early sepsis detection and how recently FDA-approved tests are helping improve sepsis detection. Meanwhile, infectious disease scientist and researcher Pallavi Upadhyay, PhD, CMPP, examines the resurgence of measles in the US and globally, and the implications for clinical and diagnostic laboratories and public health systems. 

Pathogens aren’t the only threat facing clinical labs today. A different kind of epidemic is spreading across the healthcare system—one defined by financial uncertainty, shifting policies, and systemic strain. In our Business feature, Tyler Radke, MLS(ASCP)^CM, examines how labs can weather this storm by translating system strategies into practical actions that boost revenue resiliency and improve long-term stability.

As labs confront environmental and public health challenges, sustainability and systems thinking go hand in hand. Our Sustainability feature explores practical ways to reduce your environmental footprint through smarter products, suppliers, and operations without compromising performance. Building on that theme, “One Health” expert Oladele Ogunseitan, PhD, outlines why labs must also adopt a broader perspective that links human, animal, and environmental health to effectively respond to global threats.

Don't miss our Ask the Expert Q&A, where Obiageli Okafor, MD, DrPH, MPH, discusses the growing threat of resistance to HIV treatments and what it means for labs worldwide. We also speak with Jennifer Zinn, John Osiecki, PhD, and Rachel Goodman, MD, about how labs, industry, and frontline clinicians can work together to raise public awareness and improve diagnostic stewardship in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

Check out our fall Emerging Technologies Guide for the latest innovations, and be sure to register for our upcoming digital forums and more!