Importance of short storage and transportation time of samples for timely microbiological diagnosis considering patients safety and economic issues

Mandatory are short periods of sample storage, including transport time. Generally, 2 to a maximum of 4 h is a prerequisite for microbiological rapid diagnostics of acceptable quality (s. all Microbiological - Infectiological Quality Standards - MIQ). This requirement is 1) to prevent overlooking potentially pathogenic microorganisms by extended storage times resulting in their death after 2 h, or overgrowth by colonisation of other bacteria or fungi, 2) to avoid economic losses, e.g., because of the combination with the German Diagnostic Related group (G-DRG) with short times of stay in the hospital or to achieve so-called complication points by detecting resistant microorganisms in time and therefore optimising reimbursement, 3) to fulfil the demand for a specific therapy aimed at the causative infectious agent which may not be detected after a longer storage time and to avoid higher mortality rates by failure or delayed times of specific therapy because of delayed isolation of resistant bacteria.