Rapid Identification and Susceptibility Testing of Pathogens From Blood Cultures

We hypothesize that the FilmArray Blood Culture ID Panel will reduce the duration of empiric
broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy typically administered in patients who have positive
blood cultures, improving clinical outcome and reducing cost. To test this hypothesis we
propose a prospective, randomized controlled study comparing outcomes among patients with
positive blood cultures who receive either: Standard culture and antimicrobial
susceptibility testing (AST) of positive blood culture bottles as is done today (control),
standard culture and AST of positive blood culture bottles plus the FilmArray Blood Culture
ID Panel (intervention group 1), or standard culture and AST of positive blood culture
bottles plus the FilmArray Blood Culture ID Panel testing along with expert infectious
diseases phone consultation (intervention group 2). In both intervention groups, results of
the FilmArray test will be communicated by phone to the primary service, along with
templated comments about optimal antimicrobial therapy, based on the result. (Templated
comments will also be used in the control group). In intervention group 2, an infectious
diseases pharmacist or physician will provide patient-specific recommendations to modify
antimicrobial therapy, if appropriate, based on microbiology results and clinical
information obtained through medical record review and discussion with the primary service.

Inclusion criteria:

- Positive blood culture during the study period.

- No positive blood cultures in prior 7 days

- Minnesota state research authorization provided

Exclusion criteria:

- No Minnesota state research authorization

- Deceased or transitioned to comfort care within 24 hours of enrollment

- Positive blood culture in prior 7 days

- Previously enrolled in this study

- Negative Gram stain