The Clinical Microbiology Laboratory and the Opioid Epidemic: Challenges and Opportunities

Increased infections from injection drug use harm patients and are costly to the health care system. The impact on clinical microbiology laboratories is less recognized. Microbiology laboratories face increased test volume and test complexity from the spectrum and burden of pathogens associated with injection drug use, which lead to diagnostic challenges and overtaxed resources. We describe stressed workflows, pathogens that defy protocols, and limits of current technologies. Laboratories may benefit from protocol revisions, additional resources, workflow oversight, and improved communication with clinical providers to optimally meet challenges associated with this public health crisis.