Cost-of-illness comparison between clinical judgment and molecular point-of-care testing for influenza-like illness patients in Germany.

A high economic burden stems from seasonal influenza as a well-known but serious public health problem. Rapid diagnostic tests have not yet been integrated into routine use in German primary care, even though they are likely to reduce overall costs in cases of suspected infection. This study aims to demonstrate that the use of point-of-care testing (POCT) produces lower costs of illness compared to the costs incurred by relying on clinical judgment alone.

A cost of illness comparison for toxigenic Clostridioides difficile diagnosis algorithms in developing countries.

Background: Availability of several commercial tests with different Clostridioides difficile targets contributes to uncertainty and controversies around the optimal diagnostic algorithm. While numerous studies have estimated the financial impact of C. difficile infection, models to guide testing strategies decisions in developing countries, where economic value significantly impacts clinical practice, are currently not available.