Improvements Through the Use of a Rapid Multiplex PCR Enteric Pathogen Detection Kit in Children With Hematochezia

The BioFire Gastrointestinal Panel FilmArray® is a multiplexed nucleic acid (NA) based device that simultaneously identifies 22 enteric pathogens. It specifically tests for the presence of Shiga toxin and for O157. It requires 2 minutes of hands-on-time, returns results in \~2-3 hour, and is Health Canada and Food and Drug Administration approved. The device, which has been validated, hopefully will enable the early identification of infected children and initiation (or withholding) of interventions directed by previously unavailable clinical data. It will enable us to bring a precision medicine approach into ED care.

Standard practices for children with hematochezia upon the discretion of the treating physician. If investigations are ordered, results have a turn-around time up to 72 hours.