The microbiology laboratory should intensively cooperate with the clinicians to improve the diagnostic level of pulmonary infections

The diagnosis with unknown pathogens is an important cause of inappropriate use of antimicrobial agents. The microbiology laboratory should intensively cooperate with the clinicians to evaluate the quality of respiratory tract samples. The technicians of microbiology should strengthen the training for basic skills, such as direct smear and a variety of staining. Meanwhile, the laboratory should perform the rapid detection techniques to improve the diagnostic level of pulmonary infections. Key words: Pneumonia;  Community-acquired infections;  Microbiological techniques