Economic analysis of rapid multiplex polymerase chain reaction testing for meningitis/encephalitis in pediatric patients. (9th January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Duff, Steve; Hasbun, Rodrigo; Ginocchio, Christine C; Balada-Llasat, Joan-Miquel; Zimmer, Louise; Bozzette, Samuel A
• Is Part Of: Future microbiology. Volume 13:Number 6(2018)
• Page Start: 617
• Page End: 629
• Publication Date: 2018-01-09
• Subjects: cost -- encephalitis -- FilmArray -- meningitis; Microbiology -- Research -- Periodicals; 616.9041
• DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2017-0238
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1746-0913

Abstract

Aim: We assessed the possible economic impact of a rapid test in pediatric patients with suspected community-acquired meningitis/encephalitis.Materials & methods: Modeling simulated diagnosis, clinical decisions, resource use/costs of standard of care (SOC) and two cerebrospinal fluid testing strategies using FilmArray ® (FA), a US FDA-cleared system that provides results in approximately 1 h.Results: Pathogens detected by FA caused approximately 75% of cases, 97% of which would be accurately diagnosed with FA. Mean cost/case ranged from $17, 599 to $22, 025. Syndromic testing is less expensive than SOC. Testing all suspected cases yielded greater savings ($3481/case) than testing only those with abnormal cerebrospinal fluid ($2157/case).Conclusion: Greater economic benefits are achievable with syndromic testing of all cases, rather than SOC or targeted syndromic testing.