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Mayo Clinic Laboratories > Infectious diseases

Evidence-based testing for detection and identification

Our internationally renowned clinical microbiology laboratories offer a broad selection of tests designed for rapid identification and in-depth characterization of the causative agents of infectious diseases. We have developed and implemented culture techniques, immunoassays, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and molecular methods for rapid detection, identification, and characterization, as well as provision of treatment guidance for microbial pathogens.

Answers From the Lab Unlocking the Unknown With Metagenomics
Diagnostics in Practice Neurosyphilis Antibody Index Assay
Lab Medicine Rounds Infectious vectors: Conversations on tick and mosquito-borne diseases
Micorlearning Antifungal Drug Susceptibility Testing of Yeast: A Primer for Beginners
Answers From the Lab New Tools for the Changing Landscape of Tick-Borne Diseases: Elitza Theel, Ph.D.

INFECTIOUS DISEASES TEST SPECIALTIES

Biopharma testing Biopharma testing
Biopharma testing

Our clinical microbiology laboratories span all areas of conventional and molecular medical microbiology, offering a broad selection of tests designed for rapid identification and in-depth characterization of the bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic agents of infectious diseases.

Fungal infections Fungal infections
Fungal infections

Our comprehensive fungal infection testing menu is supported by ongoing innovation and development of novel testing methods and strategies and enables detection of a wide range of clinically significant pathogens, including newly emerging species.

Gastrointestinal parasitic disease Gastrointestinal parasitic disease
Gastrointestinal parasitic disease

A focused approach to testing is the best way to identify the type of parasite present in a sample. Infection is often asymptomatic, but symptoms range from diarrhea and malnutrition to intestinal obstruction, and rarely, death.

Helicobacter pylori Helicobacter pylori
Helicobacter pylori

Find out why a timely, accurate diagnosis of H. pylori is critical for improving patients’ gastrointestinal health and preventing further harm.

Infectious diseases pathology Infectious diseases pathology
Infectious diseases pathology

Our practice provides regular exposure, not only to common infections but also to uncommon infections that most pathologists may only see once in their careers.

Metagenomics Metagenomics
Metagenomics

We offer a full menu of metagenomic sequencing assays to facilitate the diagnosis of challenging systemic infections of the central nervous system, lung, heart, and other organ systems. This unbiased testing approach holistically sequences all the DNA and RNA present in a sample and analyzes detected sequences to identify the presence of thousands of pathogenic microorganisms.

Respiratory disease Respiratory disease
Respiratory disease

Our practice offers the full spectrum of testing for COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and more, providing a one-stop location for clinicians to order testing to diagnose viruses more quickly and determine the best course of treatment for their patients.

Sexually transmitted infection Sexually transmitted infection
Sexually transmitted infection

Our robust menu of tests for sexually transmitted infections includes an innovative neurosyphilis antibody index, leading-edge self-collection molecular testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HPV, as well as essential screening and diagnostic testing for HIV and hepatitis B and C.

Vector-borne diseases Vector-borne diseases
Vector-borne diseases

Our internationally renowned clinical microbiology laboratories span all areas of conventional, molecular, and serological medical microbiology, offering a broad selection of tests designed for rapid identification and in-depth characterization of the pathogens associated with infectious diseases.

“We're always trying to develop new methods, broader methods, faster methods, less expensive methods.”

Nancy Wengenack, Ph.D., Division of Clinical Microbiology

Our difference

Physician-led subspecialized laboratories
Our laboratories are managed by physicians and scientists with expert knowledge regarding the clinical implications of each test result and how it can impact patient care.

The right tests, not the most tests
Our clinicians and laboratorians focus on maintaining high-quality, cost-effective, and efficient care by using algorithmic, evidence-based approaches that lead to correct diagnoses and treatment while minimizing unnecessary testing.

Access across the globe
Every laboratory offers testing. But at Mayo Clinic Laboratories, in addition to our comprehensive testing menu, we offer a service that allows patients access to Mayo Clinic experts from across the world.

News and updates

The latest

Risks Increase as Ticks, Mosquitoes, and Similar Vectors Spread featured image
Risks Increase as Ticks, Mosquitoes, and Similar Vectors Spread

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, speaks with William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, about Ebola, hantavirus and takeaways from a recent healthcare conference. Later, she welcomes Elli Theel, Ph.D., a microbiologist in Mayo Clinic’s Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, to explore vector-borne diseases.

Learn more
Should You Worry if You Accidentally Swallow an Insect?

During summer activities, it's bound to happen. But how dangerous is it to accidentally swallow a bug? Bobbi Pritt, M.D., a microbiologist, pathologist, and Director of the Clinical Parasitology Laboratory at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, discusses when swallowing an insect is harmless and which ones can be dangerous in The Wall Street Journal column entitled, "Burning Question."

Resources
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