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.
“We're always trying to develop new methods, broader methods, faster methods, less expensive methods.”
Nancy Wengenack, Ph.D., Division of Clinical Microbiology

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William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., recently joined the Advisory Board for a webinar discussion on 2024 lab market trends. Dr. Morice covered the current lab market outlook, the priority trends, and opportunities for future growth.
With the omicron variant grabbing headlines around the world, media outlets have turned to experts like Dr. Binnicker to help clarify the effect this new variant could have and what it might mean for the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a recent Wall Street Journal article, the director of Mayo Clinic’s Infectious Diseases Serology Laboratory, Elitza Theel, Ph.D., was among a group of experts discussing the value of COVID-19 antibody testing.
Audrey Schuetz, M.D., discusses Mayo Clinic Laboratories' PCR assay that identifies two recently described staphylococcus species. The assay is unique in its ability to distinguish the new organisms from Staphylococcus aureus, providing clearer results that ultimately improve patient care.
Mayo Clinic Laboratories has been key to Minnesota’s COVID-19 testing strategy since the start of the pandemic. At their height in 2020, Mayo’s COVID-19 labs were running 24/7, processing up to 90,000 COVID-19 specimens a day. Dr. Morice explains what Mayo Clinic Laboratories is doing now to handle the latest surge.
With a spike in cases spurred by the delta virus, demand for COVID-19 testing is on the rise again, and several at-home tests that have been approved for emergency use authorization are becoming more popular. But should you rely on a test that you administer yourself to tell you whether you have COVID-19? Dr. Matthew Binnicker explains the pros and cons of at-home tests.
Nancy Wengenack, Ph.D., director of the Mycology and Microbacteriology Laboratories in Mayo Clinic’s Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, joins the "Answers From the Lab" podcast this week. In this episode, Dr. Wengenack and Bobbi Pritt, M.D., discuss the fungal infection Candida auris.
It’s been understood for some time that an infection of B. mayonii, a rare species of bacterium, results in high levels of spirochetes in the peripheral blood. But actually being able to visualize them on a routine peripheral blood smear may allow for improved recognition of this uncommon cause of Lyme disease.
In the wake of the CDC withdrawing its emergency use authorization request for a coronavirus PCR test, social media posts claimed the action signaled that the tests were flawed. Dr. Matthew Binnicker explains why those claims are false.
Matthew Binnicker, Ph.D., director of the Clinical Virology Laboratory in Mayo Clinic’s Division of Clinical Microbiology, considers the prospects for COVID-19 this fall as the traditional influenza season ramps up.
Elitza Theel, Ph.D., director of Mayo Clinic’s Infectious Disease Serology Lab was featured in a discussion on NBC News about COVID-19 antibody tests.
Bobbi Pritt, M.D., discusses how Mayo Clinic Labs’ updated PCR assay for West Nile virus provides increased sensitivity to detect virus RNA in multiple sources, identifies two virus lineages, and confirms diagnosis.
When most of the world was still struggling to understand how COVID-19 would affect their lives, Atria Senior Living took steps to protect their vulnerable residents and staff.