The Impact of a Rapid Molecular Identification Test on Positive Blood Cultures From Critically Ill With Bacteremia: a Pre-post Intervention Study

Molecular testing is a largely validated approach allowing rapid identification of positive blood cultures. However, due to its high cost and its limited information on susceptibility, it is considered as an add-on technique reserved for specific patient populations. In our study, we specifically evaluated molecular testing in a critical care setting and measured its impact on the therapeutic management of critically ill with positive blood cultures. Through the analysis of 110 positive blood culture episodes included in both pre- and post intervention period, we measured a drastic 14h-reduction of the time to administration of the optimal antimicrobial treatment with the use of the molecular approach.