Published in partnership with IDSE, this article takes a closer look at the significant impact multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology can have in the context of sepsis management and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). In particular, the article highlights how the BIOFIRE® BCID2 Panel, capable of identifying 43 probable targets in one test, including 10 antimicrobial resistance genes, has been shown to outperform traditional blood culture identification (BCID) testing methods and provide faster results for improved decision-making. Faster time to pathogen ID can help clinicians more quickly determine appropriate targeted patient therapy and de-escalate antimicrobials, especially when the BIOFIRE BCID2 Panel is combined with an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP). This, in turn, results in advanced AMS efforts, improved cost-savings for hospitals, decreased rate of mortality, and shortened hospital length-of-stay (LOS). 

Infectious Disease Special Edition
October 15, 2023