We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
RANDOX LABORATORIES

Download Mobile App




Events

ATTENTION: Due to the COVID-19 PANDEMIC, many events are being rescheduled for a later date, converted into virtual venues, or altogether cancelled. Please check with the event organizer or website prior to planning for any forthcoming event.

PCR Panels for Acute GI Infections Can Lower Costs, Hospitalization and Antibiotic Use

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 16 Mar 2023
Print article
Image: Sampling a single stool using multiple PCR panels can identify more pathogens rapidly (Photo courtesy of Pexels)
Image: Sampling a single stool using multiple PCR panels can identify more pathogens rapidly (Photo courtesy of Pexels)

Acute gastroenteritis impacts adults across all age groups and incurs enormous healthcare expenses. Now, a new study comprising 40,000 hospital visits across various geographic locations has revealed that a single stool sample analysis using multiple polymerase chain reaction (PCR) panels is capable of identifying more pathogens, especially diarrhea-causing E. coli and enteric viruses, faster than a traditional diagnostic workup.

Research conducted by the University of Washington School of Medicine (Seattle, WA, USA) found that the application of multiplex PCR resulted in a higher number of patients being discharged, reducing hospitalization rates during the following month. The cost of care for these patients was similar to those undergoing traditional stool work-up along with follow-up visits. Typically, conventional workups involve testing a stool culture for a single suspect species of pathogen, using a single pathogen PCR test or identifying a pathogen with the help of microscopy, immunology or an ova and parasites test. Additionally, the researchers found that using multiplex PCR (consisting of 12 or more panels) led to a decrease in the administration of antibiotics to hospitalized patients.

“Earlier studies showed that large multiplex PCR panels improve the speed and accuracy of diagnostic testing in patients with acute gastroenteritis, but their impact on costs and clinical outcomes had been uncertain,” said Ferric C. Fang, M.D., Professor of Laboratory Medicine, Pathology and Microbiology at the University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle. “Our study shows that the benefits of multiplex panels can be achieved without increasing overall healthcare costs, and also facilitates more appropriate use of antibiotics.”

“This study illustrates the power of big data to analyze the healthcare impacts of diagnostic testing and help laboratories select testing approaches that improve meaningful clinical outcomes,” Fang said.

Related Links:
University of Washington School of Medicine 

New
Gold Supplier
CLIA Processor
VIRCLIA
New
Silver Supplier
HPV Real-Time PCR Test
REALQUALITY RQ-HPV Screen
New
Laboratory Balance
Equinox Precision
New
Parvovirus B19 IgG Immunoassay
AESKULISA Parvovirus B19 IgG

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chem.

view channel
Image: Brief schematic diagram of the detection principle and method (Photo courtesy of CAS)

Rapid, Non-Invasive Method Diagnoses Type 2 Diabetes by Sniffing Urinary Acetone

Over 90% of diabetes cases are attributed to Type 2 diabetes (T2D), a prevalent metabolic condition that is expected to impact 380 million individuals globally by 2025. Despite being highly accurate, the... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The new assay enables accurate prognosis and detection data for those prone to esophageal cancer (Photo courtesy of Previse)

First-of-Its-Kind Test Helps Determine Future Risk of Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer is among the most lethal cancers in the world and has a 20% five-year survival rate post-diagnosis. Barrett's esophagus is the sole precursor known and is a significant risk factor for... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A genetic test could guide the use of cancer chemotherapy (Photo courtesy of Pexels)

Genetic Test Predicts Whether Bowel Cancer Patients Can Benefit From Chemotherapy

Late-stage bowel cancer patients usually undergo a series of chemotherapies and targeted medicines for cancer treatment. However, the responses to the last-line chemotherapy treatment trifluridine/tipiracil... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: Artificial intelligence predicts genetics of cancerous brain tumors in under 90 seconds (Photo courtesy of Michigan Medicine)

AI-Based Diagnostic Screening System Predicts Genetics of Cancerous Brain Tumors in 90 Seconds

The diagnosis and treatment of gliomas increasingly rely on molecular classification, as surgical benefits and risks vary depending on a patient's genetic makeup. Complete removal of the tumor can extend... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: Live view of non-fluorescent specimens using the glowscope frame (Photo courtesy of Winona State University)

Device Converts Smartphone into Fluorescence Microscope for Just USD 50

Fluorescence microscopes are utilized to examine specimens labeled with fluorescent stains or expressing fluorescent proteins, like those tagged with green fluorescent protein. However, since these microscopes... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image: Roche and Lilly will collaborate on the development of Roche Diagnostics’ Elecsys Amyloid Plasma Panel (Photo courtesy of Roche)

Roche and Eli Lilly Collaborate on Innovative Blood Test for Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer's

Presently, obstacles to timely and precise diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease exist globally, resulting in as many as 75% of individuals exhibiting symptoms but lacking a formal diagnosis.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2023 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.