Evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid white blood cell count criteria for use of the BioFire® FilmArray® Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel in immunocompromised and nonimmunocompromised patients.

Publication/Presentation Date

3-1-2022

Abstract

We implemented the BioFire® FilmArray® Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel (MEP) with guidance for use based on patient age, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) white blood cell (WBC) count and immune system status. MEPs results over 2 years (1/1/2017 to 12/31/18) were reviewed and clinical significance of positive MEP results in patients with CSF WBC ≤ 10 evaluated. Overall, 12% (51/453) of MEPs were positive with 4/184 (2%) positive in nonimmunocompromised (non-IC) with ≤ 10 CSF WBCs. Among positive results in non-IC patient with ≤10 CSF WBCs, none were judged clinically significant. Four of 6 results in immunocompromised patients with ≤10 CSF WBCs were clinically significant. Redundant testing was common and guideline adherence could have safely decreased MEPs use 41% saving >$56,000. Guideline adherence was poor and MEP use can be safely avoided in non-IC adults withWBC, but clinically significant results did occur in IC patients with low CSF WBC. Clinical decision support could reduce unneeded testing and result in significant cost savings.

Volume

102

Issue

3

First Page

115605

Last Page

115605

ISSN

1879-0070

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

34922052

Department(s)

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Document Type

Article

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