Can Beta-D-Glucan testing as part of the diagnostic pathway for invasive fungal infection reduce anti-fungal treatment costs?

ABSTRACT: We performed a cost comparison of the current diagnostic and treatment pathway for invasive fungal infection (IFI) versus a proposed pathway that incorporates Beta-D-Glucan (BDG) testing from the NHS perspective. A fungal pathogen was identified in 58/107 (54.2%) patients treated with systemic anti-fungals in the Critical Care Department. Mean therapy duration was 23 days (standard deviation [SD] = 22 days), and cost was £5590 (SD = £7410) per patient. Implementation of BDG tests in the diagnostic and treatment pathway of patients with suspected IFI could result in a mean saving of £1643 per patient should a result be returned within 2 days.

Lay summary

Invasive fungal infection increases the risk of death in very sick people. So, treatment is started before test results are known.

SUBMITTER: Hamilton DO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9155161 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature