In infectious disease testing, is there a preference between molecular or microbiology diagnostics?

The preferred test depends on the suspected infection. And therefore, depending on the clinical scenario, sometimes molecular may be preferred, and sometimes cultures may be preferred. For example, when diagnosing herpes simplex meningitis, PCR testing of the CSF for HSV1/2 is the preferred diagnostic modality. However, for Strep pneumoniae meningitis, cultures would likely be preferred. Which test should be ordered is based on the clinician's decisions and not determined by Arkstone.