Field trials of blood culture identification FilmArray in regional Australian hospitals.

In this field trial of rapid blood culture identification (BCID), we aimed to determine whether the improved speed and accuracy of specific BCID predicted in our earlier pilot study could be obtained in regional hospitals by deploying a multiplex PCR FilmArray (Biomerieux, France) capability in their laboratories. We trained local hospital laboratory staff to operate the FilmArray equipment and act on the results. To do this, we integrated the multiplex PCR into the standard laboratory blood culture workflow and reporting procedure.

M protein gene (emm type) analysis of group A Streptococcus isolates recovered during an acute glomerulonephritis outbreak in northern Western Australia.

Certain M protein types of group A streptococcus (GAS) are known to cause acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN). Outbreaks of APSGN can occur regularly in tropical regions but the emm types responsible are geographically and temporally diverse. GAS isolates from Western Australia (WA) were analysed for emm type and emm cluster during the period of increased APSGN activity in the tropical northern Kimberley region of WA.

The implications of endemic IMP-4 carbapenemase for clinical laboratory susceptibility testing.

A local predominance of carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae with low minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) to meropenem prompted a review of methods available for carbapenemase detection. We report on results using two selective media, temocillin discs, CarbaNP test, GeneXpert Carba-R assay and an in-house PCR assay.

Improved blood culture identification by FilmArray in cultures from regional hospitals compared with teaching hospital cultures.

Rapid identification of bacteria isolated from blood cultures by direct matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is now in wide spread use in major centres but is not yet feasible in smaller hospital laboratories. A FilmArray multiplex PCR panel for blood culture isolate identification (BCID) provides an alternative approach to near point-of-care microbial identification in regional hospitals. We assessed the accuracy and time to identification of the BCID FilmArray in a consecutive series of 149 blood cultures from 143 patients in a teaching hospital and smaller regional hospitals, currently identified by direct MALDI-TOF and proprietary molecular methods.

Pandemic influenza testing at the coalface: time for reassessment?

Australian federal and state governments were advised several years ago that an influenza pandemic would overwhelm Australian public reference laboratories. It was proposed at the time that currently underused capacity in the private sector be used to enhance pandemic responses. The current outbreak of pandemic influenza has confirmed the predictions of advisors from the private sector.