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Updated: Feb 3, 2026
08:05
Multiplexed Fluorometric ImmunoAssay Testing Methodology and Troubleshooting
Published on: December 12, 2011
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Health service impact of testing for respiratory pathogens using cartridge-based multiplex array versus molecular
Victoria M Madigan1, Vincent G Sinickas1, Dawn Giltrap1
1Microbiology Department, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia.
Pathology
|November 4, 2018
Summary
Rapid molecular testing using the Biofire FilmArray significantly cut respiratory pathogen test turnaround times and improved diagnostic yield. However, this molecular testing did not reduce hospital stays or isolation bed usage.
Area of Science:
- Clinical microbiology
- Molecular diagnostics
- Health services research
Background:
- Increasing demand for rapid microbiological testing to improve patient outcomes.
- Advancements in cartridge-based molecular technologies enable faster testing.
- Controversy exists regarding the cost-effectiveness of cartridge-based assays.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of the Biofire FilmArray Respiratory Panel compared to standard in-house PCR.
- To assess effects on laboratory and health service outcomes for adult patients.
- To determine if rapid molecular testing justifies its expense.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study comparing Biofire FilmArray with in-house respiratory PCR.
- Evaluation of laboratory turnaround time and diagnostic yield.
- Analysis of health service outcomes including hospital length of stay and isolation bed use.
Main Results:
- FilmArray significantly reduced turnaround time (4.4h vs 21.6h, p < 0.0001).
- FilmArray showed increased diagnostic yield (57.3% vs 39.5%, p = 0.002).
- No significant reduction in hospital length of stay or isolation bed use was observed.
Conclusions:
- Cartridge-based molecular testing, like FilmArray, accelerates respiratory pathogen result turnaround.
- Despite faster results and higher yield, no impact on key health service outcomes was found.
- Further research is needed to establish the clinical and health service benefits of point-of-care cartridge-based tests.
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