The latest chapter update to the APIC Text Online (ATO), Laboratory Testing and Diagnostics, surveys the various laboratory measurements that IPs can utilize to better diagnose and manage infectious diseases and processes. The chapter examines standard and emerging methodologies in direct examination, antigen/antibody reaction, and molecular testing. Increased coverage of molecular diagnostics looks at newer technologies and their potential to improve testing precision and help combat public-health threats ranging from the Zika virus to bioterrorism pathogens.

The ATO continues to support concurrent review and updates of important chapters based on infection prevention trends and issues, as well as developing new chapters. Key chapter updates completed in 2017 include:

• 26. Antimicrobials and Resistance26. Antimicrobials and Resistance26. Antimicrobials and Resistance
• 56. Endoscopy56. Endoscopy56. Endoscopy56. Endoscopy
• 98. Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers98. Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers98. Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers98. Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers
• 113. Healthcare Textile Services113. Healthcare Textile Services
• 118. Construction and Renovation118. Construction and Renovation118. Construction and Renovation118. Construction and Renovation

Future updates will include:

• Cleaning, Disinfection, and Sterilization
• Intravascular Device Infections
• Clostridium difficile Infection and Pseudomembranous Colitis

APIC is excited to hear your thoughts about the revised chapter on Laboratory Testing and Diagnostics, as well as the entire ATO platform. Your views are critical to APIC’s success in providing the resources that you need to flourish as an IP. Please email us with any feedback at text@apic.org.

Regards,

Patti G. Grota, PhD, RN, CNS-M-S, CIC, FAPIC