Implementación del método de FilmArrayTM en pacientes pediátricos con infecciones severas / Implementation of the FilmArrayTM method in pediatric patients with severe infections / Implementação do método de matriz do FilmArrayTM em pacientes pediátricos com infecções graves

Se evaluó la implementación del método de PCR múltiple FilmArrayTM (Biofire Diagnostics, LLC, EE.UU.) en 21 niños con infección respiratoria aguda baja, 3 con meningoencefalitis, y un caso de sepsis. Se registraron el tiempo de demora hasta obtener el resultado y adecuar el tratamiento, los días de internación, los patógenos detectados y el costo de la incorporación de esta metodología. En los niños estudiados con FilmArrayTM el resultado estuvo disponible a los 90 minutos desde la toma de la muestra. Se detectaron patógenos no demostrados por los métodos disponibles, como Rhinovirus, además de diagnosticar coinfección viral; el tiempo promedio de estadía resultó 5 días. Se estimó reducir un 40% el costo global de internación. La implementación de FilmArrayTM resultó sencilla y se pudo incorporar a la sistemática de trabajo. Si bien esta experiencia incluyó un bajo número de pacientes, aportó información que demuestra el potencial de esta metodología para un mejor manejo del paciente crítico.

The implementation of multiple PCR FilmArrayTM (Biofire Diagnostics, LLC, USA) for 21 children with low acute respiratory infection, 3 with meningoencephalitis, and 1 case of sepsis was evaluated. Delay time until the result was obtained and the treatment adapted, hospitalization days, pathogens detected and the cost of incorporating this methodology were all recorded. In the children studied with FilmArrayTM the result was available 90 minutes after the sample was taken. Pathogens were not demonstrated by the available methods, such as Rhinovirus, apart from diagnosing viral coinfection, the average length of stay was 5 days. It was estimated to reduce the overall cost of hospitalization by 40%. The implementation of FilmArrayTM was simple and could be incorporated into the work system. Although this experience included a low number of patients, it provided information that demonstrates the potential of this methodology for better management of the critical patient.

Foi avaliada a implementação do método de PCR múltiplo FilmArrayTM (Biofire Diagnostics, LLC, EUA) em 21 crianças com infecção respiratória aguda baixa, 3 com meningoencefalite e um caso de sepse. O tempo de atraso foi registrado até a obtenção do resultado e a adaptação do tratamento, dias de internação, patógenos detectados e o custo da incorporação dessa metodologia. Nas crianças estudadas com o FilmArrayTM, o resultado ficou disponível 90 minutos após a coleta da amostra; foram detectados os patógenos não demonstrados pelos métodos disponíveis, como o Rinovírus, além de diagnosticar a coinfecção viral; o tempo médio de permanência foi de 5 dias. Foi estimado reduzir o custo total da hospitalização em 40%. A implementação do FilmArrayTM foi simples e pôde ser incorporada à sistemática de trabalho. Embora essa experiência tenha incluído um número de pacientes baixo, forneceu informações que demonstram o potencial dessa metodologia para um melhor gerenciamento do paciente crítico.

LED fluorescence microscopy in the diagnosis of tuberculosis: Fading and restaining of smears for external quality assessment.

Blinded rechecking is a method proposed for external quality assurance (EQA) of auramine-stained acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smears using fluorescence microscopy (FM), however, this procedure is not well developed and slides fading over time could compromise its implementation. Since bleaching of fluorescent molecules involves temperature-dependent chemical reactions, it is likely that low temperatures could slow down this process. We stored auramine-stained slides under different environmental conditions, including -20°C, and examined them over time. The slides stored in all the environments faded. At -20°C, fading was not reduced in relation to room temperature. Restaining and re-examining smears after five months showed that the slides containing saliva and storage at -20°C were associated with failure in AFB reappearance. In conclusion, the practice of freezing slides until they are viewed should be discouraged as it has a negative effect on blinded rechecking by reducing reading concordance after restaining. Specimen quality should be considered when interpreting FM-EQA results.