Meningitis Multiplex-PCR: 3-Year Study of Cost and Correlation With Traditional Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis

Abstract Introduction/Objective Physicians often rely on Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) cytology, chemistry, and culture. While cheap, these methods lack high sensitivity/specificity or have long turnaround times. PCR evaluation of CSF has become more common is touted as a way to save money, decrease times quickly target antibiotics. systems may cost $200,000, with $150 in disposables per test. As new, fast, test it be over ordered. Methods/Case Report Case-control study using retrospective chart review. All adults, aged 18 over, who had undergone both based testing cytochemical between 3/1/2017 9/7/2019 were included. Results (if Case Study enter NA) From 3/1/2017-9/7/2019, there 381 available results for adult GWUH patients. Demographic data showed that the patient sample was majority black (195/320, 60.94%), an average age 49.8 ± 17.2, female (172/320, 53.75%). The 85.31% negative (273/320) cultures 94.38% negative. most positive organism Varicella zoster virus (11/47 results) culture Streptococcus pneumoniae (5/18 cultures). Conclusion In population clinical symptoms at least 1 abnormality analysis, 6.5 tests run every No single variable found significantly predict results. Within initial cost, disposable detection rate 14.7%, detect by could approach $4,500. should used judiciously following history, physical exam standard workup, rather than screening tool.