Comparison for PCR vs Standard Urine Culture
PCR is more sensitive and specific than standard urine culture for detection of uropathogens [1,2].
PCR identifies 36% more pathogens in patients with suspected UTI than standard urine culture [1].
Turn-around-time for PCR is ~43 hours faster than standard urine culture [3].
Importance of Polymicrobial Infection Detection
Polymicrobial infections are common – seen in 25-50% of UTIs, depending on the patient cohort [1,4].
An additional 12% of patients have polymicrobial infections detected by PCR that are missed on standard urine culture [1].
Phenotype is More Important than Genotype
Antibiotic resistance gene detection only evaluates genotype, while molecular antibiotic sensitivity testing evaluates organism phenotype. Antibiotic resistance genes are not enough – there is a 40% discordance rate between antibiotic resistance genes alone vs. molecular antibiotic sensitivity [5].
Molecular Antibiotic Sensitivity Benefits
PCR testing with molecular antibiotic sensitivity has been retrospectively evaluated and showed patients who had PCR testing with molecular antibiotic sensitivity had 13% lower outpatient ER visits and 76% lower inpatient admissions [6]. An additional retrospective review of PCR with molecular antibiotic sensitivity testing found a 13% decreased risk of ER or hospitalization in a cohort of 66,383 primary care patients [7].