Cost Justification of the BioFire FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel Versus Standard of Care for Diagnosing Meningitis in a Community Hospital

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Gram stain and culture along with CSF viral polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are the current standard of care (SOC) to diagnose meningitis. Unfortunately, these tests take up to 72 hours to provide results and are not always sensitive to detect a pathogen. BioFire FilmArray (FA) meningitis/encephalitis (ME) panel uses PCR to provide quick, accurate identification of the causative organism. For community hospitals, the cost of this technology may be prohibitive. Objective: To compare the institution cost of current SOC versus the anticipated cost of the FA ME panel to diagnose and treat suspected meningitis. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted evaluating adult patients with a lumbar puncture performed and empiric antimicrobials administered for a diagnosis of meningitis. The time to receive CSF culture results and cost associated with empiric antimicrobials were assessed and compared to the theoretical time to results and cost of treatment using the FA ME panel. Results: Thirty-three patients were included in the analysis. The cost of antimicrobials using SOC was $63.43 versus $24.70 per treatment course if using the FA ME panel (P < .001). When the cost of diagnostic testing supplies per patient was included, the median cost of SOC was $239.63 versus $239.14 per treatment course when using the FA ME panel (P = .15). Conclusion: There is potential for significant cost savings in direct antibiotic utilization if FA ME is used versus SOC to diagnose meningitis in a community hospital. Antimicrobial cost savings were able to offset the increased cost of testing.