The accuracy of every microbiology result depends on what happens before the specimen reaches the laboratory. In this session, Dr. Edwin Kamau — Senior Director of Medical and Scientific Affairs at Cepheid — explores the pre-analytical phase in clinical bacteriology, from specimen collection and transport to quality indicators and error prevention. Drawing on evidence-based best practices and real-world case scenarios, Dr. Kamau will show how pre-analytical excellence underpins reliable AMR surveillance, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and stewardship decisions.