Impact of Multiplex PCR Blood-Culture Identification Panels on Clinical Outcomes, Antimicrobial Stewardship, and Economic Impact in US Hospitals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Department

Infectious Diseases

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Open Forum Infectious Diseases

Abstract

BACKGROUND: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizing evidence on multiplex PCR blood culture identification (BCID) panels and their effects on clinical, antimicrobial stewardship, and economic outcomes.

METHODS: We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for studies evaluating time to appropriate therapy, mortality, length of stay (LOS), antimicrobial optimization, and cost in adult inpatients.

RESULTS: Twenty studies encompassing 4587 patients with bloodstream infections across U.S. hospitals were included. BCID implementation showed shorter time to appropriate antimicrobial therapy by 17.28 hours (95% CI, -24.00 to -10.56) and hospital LOS by 1.25 days (95% CI, -1.79 to -.71). No statistically significant effect on mortality was observed (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, .81-1.34). Economic outcomes were not significantly different.

CONCLUSIONS: BCID panels were associated with shorter time to effective therapy; however, a timely clinical response is necessary.

First Page

ofag370

DOI

10.1093/ofid/ofag370

Volume

13

Issue

7

Publication Date

7-1-2026

PubMed ID

42403910

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