Pitfalls of a Multiplex PCR Panel for Identification of Bloodstream Pathogens

We evaluated the diagnostic performance of the FilmArray Blood Culture Identification Panel (BCID; bioMerieux) for the detection of bloodstream pathogens.

From May to August 2022, up to 67 samples from positive blood cultures previously processed with BACTEC FX (BD) were collected and submitted to the BCID panel. BCID panel results were compared with traditional culture results.

We tested 67 positive blood culture samples; 13 samples were from pediatric bottles of BACTEC Peds Plus/F media (BD). The overall sensitivity of the BCID panel was 89.9% (62/69; 95% CI, 80.2 - 95.3%). For blood-stream pathogens targeted by the BCID panel, sensitivity was 98.4% (62/63; 95% CI, 90.7 - > 99.9%). Interestingly, Proteus species were additionally detected in 6 samples from pediatric blood culture bottles.

BCID demonstrated high clinical sensitivity for target pathogens, but positive findings for unexpected multiple targets or Proteus species require cautious interpretation to avoid false positives.