In this episode of The Pathology Report, host Dr Ian Gassiep is joined by A/Prof Octavia Peck Palmer, a clinical chemist and director at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Dr Niti Dawar, a senior manager in medical and scientific affairs at Roche Diagnostics, and A/Prof Ken Sikaris, head of chemical pathology at Dorevitch Pathology for a focused discussion on the role of pathology in detecting and managing sepsis.

They take a look at the global and national burden of sepsis, highlighting mortality rates and the importance of early detection and go on to discuss how laboratories support early diagnosis through tailored test menus, rapid turnaround times, and actionable results. In examining the strengths and limitations of current biomarkers, such as CRP, procalcitonin, and interleukins, they highlight that the choice of biomarkers and laboratory strategy must be context-specific and adapted to the availability of local resources.

The episode also explores equity and access, considering differences between primary and tertiary care, the expanding role of point-of-care testing, and how AI and data integration may sharpen diagnostic accuracy. Importantly, the panel stresses the need for equitable testing practices, recognising the influence of social determinants of health and cautioning against misinterpreting race in laboratory reference intervals.

The discussion underscores the value of collaboration and clinician education, noting that successful sepsis management depends on close integration of laboratory capabilities, clinical decision making and emerging technologies. Together, our guests call for continued research, wider access to diagnostics and equity-minded practice to improve outcomes for patients worldwide.

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In this episode of The Pathology Report, host Dr Kym Mina is joined by Prof Ainsley Newson, Professor of Bioethics at the University of Sydney, Dr Samantha Sundercombe, a genetic pathologist at Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology, and A/Prof Ilias Goranitis, head of economics of genomics and precision medicine at the University of Melbourne, to discuss the complexities relating to health, economics and ethics in the field of genomics.

In a wide-ranging discussion, our guests reflect on the role of bioethics in pathology practice and unpack the ethical dilemmas involved in reproductive genetics, where reproductive autonomy must be balanced against the constraints generated through expanding genomic testing. They also explore the tension between technological advancement and patient demand, and how these pressures raise significant ethical questions.

A/Prof Goranitis highlights the contribution of health economics, noting that genomics delivers benefits far beyond traditional health outcomes, while the panel examines issues of equity and funding, and the importance of ensuring fair access to testing. The discussion touches on the practical realities of laboratory policy making, where individual patient needs must be balanced with standardised practices.

They conclude that people need to engage with the ethical, economic and clinical challenges at the heart of genomics, and to consider how these forces are shaping the future of healthcare.

RCPA Members

This podcast is an RCPA-endorsed CPD activity. Each episode gives you an opportunity to gain CPD hours in three easy steps:

• Step 1. Listen or watch the podcast here, on your favourite podcast channel or on YouTube
• Step 2. To claim your CPD hours, please complete and pass this short online quiz
• Step 3. Sit back and let us load your CPD hours into your CPD profile for you

The Pathology Report is produced by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and is part of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network.

Learn more about the RCPA at rcpa.edu.au and discover other shows in the network at talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

In this episode of The Pathology Report, host Dr Ian Gassiep is joined by Prof Caitlin Keighley, a microbiologist and infectious diseases physician at Southern IML Pathology in Wollongong, to discuss the vital yet often misunderstood role of pathology stewardship in healthcare.

They explore what stewardship looks like in real-world practice and how it shapes patient care. Prof Keighley defines pathology stewardship as “doing the right test for the right patient at the right time,” emphasising that the ultimate goal is better outcomes, not just cost savings. Together, Prof Keighley and Dr Gassiep debate this tension between cost and clinical value, the role of electronic decision support systems in test ordering and the challenges of balancing efficiency with issues such as alert fatigue and workflow disruption, particularly for junior doctors and GPs.

Prof Keighley examines the issue of selective reporting in microbiology, where limiting the antibiotics displayed on lab reports can help reduce resistance, citing some Australian examples that are showing its real-world impact.

The podcast highlights the practical realities of stewardship, from clashes between test rejection rules and rural healthcare needs to the question of whether technology simplifies decision-making or complicates it. It concludes with reflections on Australia’s strong governance and regulatory frameworks, and how the country consistently delivers high-quality health outcomes at a relatively low per-capita spend on pathology and medicines.

RCPA Members

This podcast is an RCPA-endorsed CPD activity. Each episode gives you an opportunity to gain CPD hours in three easy steps:

• Step 1. Listen or watch the podcast here, on your favourite podcast channel or on YouTube
• Step 2. To claim your CPD hours, please complete and pass this short online quiz
• Step 3. Sit back and let us load your CPD hours into your CPD profile for you

The Pathology Report is produced by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and is part of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network.

Learn more about the RCPA at rcpa.edu.au and discover other shows in the network at talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.