Recommendations
Microbiologic and Radiographic Diagnostic Tests (cont'd)
➤ HCP should not perform routine testing for fungal infection
in the absence of a clinical presentation that raises that
concern.
➤ HCP should review the necessity of antibiotics within 48–72
hours as test results become available and should de-escalate
or discontinue antibiotic therapy based on those results and
clinical response.
Note: Procalcitonin results may aid the de-escalation or discontinuation of
antibiotic treatments.
➤ HCP should obtain chest radiographs to assess for the
extent of lung involvement, but daily repeat studies are not
indicated. Use of computed tomography (CT) of the chest
should be reserved for circumstances in which results of
the CT may result in a change in clinical management (e.g.,
pulmonary embolus).
Role of the Antibiotic Stewardship Program (ASP)
➤ ASPs should monitor emerging information and updates
to national and international guidelines that are relevant
to antibiotic prescribing, revise clinical recommendations
relevant to antimicrobial use, and educate frontline HCP to
support appropriate antibiotic stewardship.
