A Two-year review of the use of film array in a tertiary hospital in the Philippines

• Main Authors: Evelina N Lagamayo (Author), Ruby O Rusia-Uy (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Archives of Pulmonology and Respiratory Care - Peertechz Publications, 2021-02-03.
• Subjects: Research Article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

<p>Background: Molecular methods such as Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) has the potential to rapidly identify pathogens for diagnosing infectious diseases. </p><p>Objective: This study aims to describe the usage of the Multiplex PCR System (FilmArray®) Gastrointestinal, Respiratory, Meningitis Encephalitis, and Blood Culture Identification Panels done from October 2017 to September 2019.</p><p>Methods: Results of all the panels done during the study period were retrieved from the laboratory database. Data were entered into the collection forms and analyzed to achieve the objectives. </p><p>Results: A total of 547 test results were gathered. The most requested panel among the four was Gastrointestinal Panel (48%). Majority of the patients tested were from those aged 60 years old and above at 29.8%. Patients who had the panels tested were mostly males (55%) and mostly requested among inpatients at 69%. The positivity rates of the Gastrointestinal, Respiratory, Meningitis Encephalitis Panel, and Blood Culture Identification panels were 60%, 57%, 14% and 83%, respectively. All panels had both single detections as well as codetections except for Blood Culture Identification Panel which only yielded single pathogen. The most common requesting physicians are the Gastroenterologists (25.9%) followed by Infectious Disease Specialists (15.9%). Collectively, Pediatricians and other Pediatric Specialty Physicians comprise 19.5% of the requesting doctors.</p><p>Conclusion: The Multiplex PCR FilmArray Panels were useful both in the outpatient and inpatient care and a wide range of patients. The high positivity rates provide early patient diagnosis, thereby, early administration of appropriate targeted therapy and management especially those which might have been missed by the conventional culture. Identification of viral etiologies reduce the unnecessary use of antimicrobials and greatly help in the reduction of the development of antimicrobial resistance.</p>