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Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel Cost Comparison

The FilmArray Gastrointestinal Pathogen panel (BioFire Diagnostics) is a multiplex PCR assay that detects 22 pathogens from a single stool specimen including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and toxins. Some physicians have been hesitant to order this panel because of an unfounded belief that molecular testing is much more expensive than the traditional workup for diarrhea causing pathogens.

The traditional workup for diarrhea causing pathogens is a mishmash of stool bacterial culture, viral culture, ova and parasite (O & P) microscopic examination, C. difficile PCR, rotavirus antigen, giardia antigen, cryptosporidium antigen, cyclospora antigen, campylobacter antigen, and Shiga toxin immunoassay. National guidelines recommend that stool cultures and O & P be repeated three times to maximize sensitivity.

If these guidelines are followed, the cost of performing the GI pathogen panel is actually less than the traditional battery of tests ($155 versus $185). Traditional testing is more time-consuming, labor-intense, and requires multiple samples to optimize detection.

The FilmArray Gastrointestinal Pathogen panel has nearly two times higher sensitivity and better specificity than the traditional diarrhea workup. It is also better at identifying mixed infections. Another major advantage of the FilmArray is that results are available in less than 24 hours compared to a minimum of 7 days for traditional testing. Rapid detection of a diarrhea causing pathogen often eliminates the need for colonoscopy.

The FilmArray Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel is less expensive to perform and avoids downstream medical costs. Patients with diarrhea certainly appreciate getting a definitive diagnosis in one-seventh the amount of time. Physicians and payers should embrace this new age of testing.

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