Why are so many microbes detected in a specimen?

Molecular diagnostics, such as PCR and NGS, can detect microbes by analyzing molecular components of the microorganism (DNA, RNA, proteins etc.). Since this technology is very sensitive, it can pick up multiple microbes, that may or may not be contributing to the infection. It may even detect nonviable or dead microbes. Many times, microbes in the environment may be detected, such as skin colonizers. In other situations, an infection may be second to multiple microbes.

The OneChoice report will always try to find the simplest and safest regimen, targeting organisms commonly associated with infection. However, the clinician must ultimately establish whether the microbiology is consistent with their patients’ symptoms and treat accordingly.