RAPID MOLECULAR PATHOGEN DETECTION
The only test you should order for your patient is the one that could lead to a better outcome
Augustus Laboratories is a market leader in targeted molecular diagnostics, dedicated to developing innovative solutions that enhance both clinical and economic outcomes. Our cutting-edge technologies and comprehensive testing panels provide precise, actionable results, empowering healthcare providers to make informed decisions that lead to better patient care and cost-effective treatments.”
PATHOGEN DETECTION
Accuracy and Expertise
Precise pathogen and resistance gene testing for your complex patients in less than 24 hours from specimen arrival at the lab.
Noninvasive Collection Technique
Unaffected by Current Medications
Rapid & Accurate Diagnosis
Avoidance of Unnecessary Antibiotics
Simultaneous Pathogen Detection
Antibiotic Resistance Gene Testing
HOW WE DO IT
Groundbreaking Technology
At Augustus Laboratories, we provide clinicians with access to the most advanced molecular methodologies for pathogen detection, semi-quantification, and resistance gene identification. Utilizing cutting-edge techniques, we deliver rapid and precise results, supported by PharmD guidance that considers published sensitivity and susceptibility patterns, medication costs, antibiotic spectrum of activity, and FDA guidance.
Our approach culminates in a patient-centered, value-based care solution that empowers healthcare providers to make informed treatment decisions. This strategy helps to avoid inappropriate therapy, excess costs, adverse drug events, and the progression of disease. By integrating advanced technology with expert insights, Augustus Laboratories ensures optimal clinical outcomes and efficient, effective patient care.
MOLECULAR INFECTIOUS DISEASES
COMMON TYPES OF PATHOGENS
Bacteria
Viral
Fungus
Parasitic
INFECTIOUS DISEASE TESTING PROCEDURE
Presence of an infection in patient (bacterial, viral, fungal)
Correctly identify the pathogen
Prescribe treatment medications to help end infection
Identifying Infections, Next-Morning Results
Our cutting-edge PCR testing capabilities have revolutionized patient care, expediting clinical decisions and enhancing antibiotic stewardship. We deliver swift, actionable results that empower healthcare providers to make informed treatment choices.
Augustus Laboratories: Your Premier Partner for Molecular Diagnostic Testing
Clinical Value
Our state-of-the-art PCR testing menu targets clinically relevant pathogens with high sensitivity and specificity. Through detailed patient-specific resistance profiles, we equip physicians with critical information to tailor precise treatment plans.
Swift Turnaround Time
We ensures swift next-morning results using our innovative ONE Universal Collection Device. This streamlined approach accelerates diagnostic answers, facilitating prompt clinical decisions.
Cost-Effective Solutions
Benefit from our cost-effective molecular diagnostic services through established national contracts and strategic partnerships. We also offer financial assistance programs and compassionate self-pay options, ensuring equitable access to cutting-edge testing technologies.
Augustus PCR vs. Traditional Culture
Unlike traditional culture methods, Augustus PCR testing offers targeted infectious disease diagnosis with superior accuracy and speed. Our technology provides personalized antibiograms swiftly, enabling healthcare providers to make informed and effective treatment decisions promptly.
Augustus PCR Test
vs.
Culture Test
Next-Morning Results
Turnaround Time
Results can take an average of 3-14 days
Utilizes RT-PCR targeting a broad spectrum of viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens
Technology
Typically relies on traditional culture methods, detecting ONLY primary pathogens
Rapid detection of fastidious organisms (e.g., fungi, anaerobes) and resistance genes
Detection Capability
Extended incubation time required for fungi and anaerobes, potential for "mixed flora" and lack of pathogen specificity
ONE Universal Collection Device
Collection Method
Requires multiple collection devices, increasing risk of contamination
Less susceptible to interference from antibiotic use
Impact of Antibiotics
Susceptible to antibiotic effects, potentially masking or altering pathogen detection
CULTURING OF PATHOGENS
1. Inoculation with specimen into general purpose media (blood agar, chocolate agar).
2.Nutrients and inhibitors are added to the general media to help selectively promote with growth in culture of pathogens.
3. Grow in culture for 2-5+ days to identify pathogens.
CULTURING OF PATHOGENS
- Culturing may be able to grow a major pathogen for identification under the appropriate culturing conditions.
- Culturing will not grow all pathogens in a specimen
- Culturing will not identify any antibiotic resistance in any pathogen
- Culturing results will be inaccurate if patient is currently taking antibiotics at time of specimen collection
SEROLOGICAL TESTING FOR PATHOGENS
1. Specimens are used to detect the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies in response to an infection.
2 .Patient antibodies in a specimen will bind to a fixed antigen glass, plates, filter paper.
3. A reporter antigen will bind to the antigen/patient antibody complex for visual detection.
RESULTS OF SEROLOGICAL TESTING
Person
infected
1-3
weeks
Person has detectable levels of antibodies
RESULTS OF SEROLOGICAL TESTING
- Unrivaled specificity and accuracy in detecting pathogen nucleic acid.
- Swift results: Get patient outcomes within 24 hours of specimen arrival.
- Comprehensive testing: Detect multiple pathogens simultaneously (bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic).
- Antibiotic resistance insight: Identify resistance genes in detected pathogens.
- Reliable results: Unaffected by a patient’s antibiotic usage.
- Consistent accuracy: Results independent of pathogen quantity or test timing.
- Dependable detection: Not reliant on pathogen growth outside the body.
- Cutting-edge technology: PCR testing uses sensitive computer technology for accurate, fluorescent results.
MOLECULAR TESTING FOR PATHOGENS
1. DNA or RNA is extracted from patient specimen. If RNA is extracted, the RNA strand will be reverse transcribed into a complementary DNA strand.
2. Using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), DNA primers anneal and amplify DNA specific for pathogen target regions.
3. Amplified DNA is tagged with a fluorescent dye for the identification of pathogen nucleic acid in a specimen.
DIFFERENCES IN CULTURE, SEROLOGY, AND PCR IN INFECTIOUS DISEASE TESTING
CULTURE
- Culture growth time: 2-5 days.
- Limited to pathogens growing in culture.
- Visual identification through microscopy.
- May miss several pathogens in a specimen.
SEROLOGICAL
- Test during active infection.
- Less sensitive than other methods.
- Relies on visual identification with IgG/antigen.
- Identifies one pathogen at a time, may miss others.
MOLECULAR PCR
- PCR identifies pathogens without growth delay.
- Results available on the same day.
- Comprehensive reporting, beyond microscopic view.
- Detects antibiotic resistance genes.
- Timing-independent accuracy for active or inactive infections.
