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Published:
Apr 27, 2023Article Details
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Main Article Content
A retrospective evaluation of a multiplex polymerase chain reaction test directly applied to blood for the management of sepsis in the critically ill
Abstract
Background: Blood culture (BC) is the established gold standard for microbiological diagnosis of bloodstream infection (BSI); however, its sensitivity is poor.
Objectives: The primary objective was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the Magicplex Sepsis Real-time Test, a multiplex polymerase
chain reaction test (mPCR), and BC to detect BSIs. Secondary outcomes included determining the prevalence of BSIs.
Methods: A retrospective review of a technical evaluation of the mPCR. Patients requiring BC had a blood sample collected for mPCR.
Results: The respective sensitivity and specificity of mPCR for the detection of BSI were 50% (n=7/14) and 58% (n=18/31), while the sensitivity and specificity using BC were 36% (n=5/14) and 68% (n=21/31), respectively. The addition of mPCR to BC increased BSI detection during sepsis from 36% to 64%.
Conclusion: The use of mPCR directly applied to blood may increase the detection of micro-organisms associated with BSIs in critically ill patients
requiring BC investigation.
