Prospective assessment of FilmArray® technology for the rapid identification of yeast isolated from blood cultures

• FilmArray® Blood Culture ID Panel is a high-order rapid multiplex PCR-based device;
• It is theoretically able to identify 24 pathogens directly in positive blood cultures;
• It was proved to be a good test to identify yeast compared to conventional methods;
• Its use enabled a more rapid and adequate initiation of antifungal therapy.

We prospectively assessed the ability of FilmArray® device to identify fungal species involved in bloodstream infections. It succeeded in identifying 85.7% of isolates. The automated readout of results enabled the rapid initiation of appropriate antifungal therapy. Thus, FilmArray® appeared as a reliable alternative diagnostic method for the most common yeast-like species.