Rapid Diagnostic Tests for Patients with Suspected Sepsis

What Is FA-BCID?

Using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based techniques (which amplify and detect multiple genetic sequences of interest in a single experiment), the FA-BCID panel can detect  24 sepsis-related pathogens (bacteria and yeast) and three antimicrobial resistance genes in patients with suspected sepsis.

The FA-BCID panel can identify specific pathogens from blood cultures that have tested positive (indicating initial microbial growth) with  a turnaround time of approximately one hour.  This is significantly faster than the time required to grow a full blood culture to identify pathogens.

The sensitivity and specificity of the FA-BCID panel are well-established for organisms (and antimicrobial resistance genes) included in the panel; however, its primary limitation from a diagnostic standpoint is an inability to detect other pathogens (and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms) not included in its panel.

Used along with antimicrobial stewardship programs (that actively correlate test results to changes in patient management), the FA-BCID panel may improve patient outcomes by, for example, reducing the time it takes to receive appropriate antimicrobial therapy and shortening hospital stays.