Chicago, Ill. (July 29, 2025)—With the ongoing threat of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, the nation’s clinical laboratories remain a critical first line of defense. On July 29, 2025, during the ADLM 2025 conference in Chicago, leading infectious disease experts from the College of American Pathologists (CAP) briefed members of the media on the state of lab readiness in the U.S., national preparedness efforts, and the latest tools available to support outbreak response.
Panelists discussed concerns around infectious threats such as H5N1, dengue, and HIV, and how accurate, timely laboratory testing is essential for identifying and containing outbreaks. The briefing also highlighted the CAP’s new proficiency testing programs and other resources available to clinical labs nationwide.
“We believe that when laboratory professionals have the tools, training, and support they need, patients and communities benefit,” said Qihui “Jim” Zhai, MD, FCAP, President-Elect, College of American Pathologists.
Panelists:
Qihui “Jim” Zhai, MD, FCAP – President-Elect, College of American Pathologists
Benjamin Pinsky, MD, PhD, FCAP – Professor of Pathology and Medicine (Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine), Stanford University; Medical Director, Stanford Health Care Clinical Virology Laboratory
Teresa Austin Karre, MD, FCAP – Member, CAP Microbiology Committee; Associate Professor and Medical Director of the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, University of Nebraska Medical Center
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About the College of American Pathologists
As the world’s largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. For more information, visit the CAP Newsroom, CAP.org and yourpathologist.org to watch pathologists at work and see the stories of the patients who trust them with their care.