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13/7/22 Blood Culture Molecular Pathogen Detection Service Evaluation 

The BioFire BCID2 Panel tests for 43 targets associated with bloodstream infections, including Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, yeast, and 10 antimicrobial resistance genes. Results available in about an hour from positive blood culture. 

BioFire Blood Culture Identification (BCID) Panels | BioFire Diagnostics (biofiredx.com) 

Potential benefits include 

• Antimicrobial stewardship 
• Shorten time to optimal therapy (decrease by 33.5 hours) 
• Economic benefits (BioFire BCID Panel identification of coagulase-negative staphylococci contaminants resulted in shorter post-culture length of stay and saved roughly $30,000 per 100 patients tested.) 

We are evaluating the Biofire blood culture panel - initially collecting baseline data, followed by evaluation of the panel from August the 1st. You can find an overview below.

Biofire Evaluation Awareness Talk

What you need to know:

• We are using the Biofire platform - this uses PCR based pathogen detection rather than waiting for gram stain and culture which takes longer
• We hope this will help us target our antibiotics to the infective organism sooner
• When taking blood cultures in ICU review evaluation form kept with blood culture bottles and in the hub
• If meets criteria, complete the front sheet with date and time of blood culture and list current antimicrobials
• Prior to August 1st we’re collecting baseline data
• After August 1st we’ll trial the device and there will be a sticker on the notes to place on the blood culture request form
• Scan the QR on the form and enter these details
• File the evaluation in the drug chart for 6 days and note antimicrobial changes over that time
• Prescribe all first doses of antibiotics on the front of the drug chart

Any feedback and issues, please pass on to James Williams and Nia Williams