The BioFire FilmArray is a multi-target real-time assay utilising multiplex tandem PCR to detect multiple pathogens in a single test. The BioFire FilmArray Respiratory Panel (FRP) is able to detect 20 different pathogens within an hour. We evaluated and assessed the utility of this test on positive retrospective samples and prospectively using routine clinical samples during the 2015 influenza season. Samples were tested using FRP and were compared to an in-house (IH) respiratory PCR performed within PathWest.
In the retrospective study 33 samples were tested, with 36 pathogens detected by the IH, the FRP detected 32 (88.9%) of these pathogens, with 4 discordant results (11.1%). In the prospective study 34 samples were analysed with 36 pathogens detected by the IH. The FRP detected 31(86.1%) of these pathogens, with 5 (13.9%) discordant results. Across the two studies the FRP did not detect Human Metapneumovirus in two samples, Influenza A in two samples, Human Rhinovirus / Enterovirus in two samples, Mycoplasma pneumonia in one sample and Bordetella pertussis in one sample. The FRP detected Influenza B in one sample which was not detected by the IH assay. In the prospective study the FRP had a sensitivity of 87.5%, specificity of 83.3%, positive predictive value of 91.3% and negative predictive value of 76.9% in comparison to the IH.
The FRP is a simple assay with a rapid time turnaround time which detects a wide range of respiratory pathogens. If implemented into the laboratory, this assay could aid in more timely patient treatment, triage and bed management for the hospital.