The Economic Impact of Rapid <i>Candida</i> Species Identification by T2Candida Among High-Risk Patients

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: This study estimates the cost-effectiveness and hospital budget impact of rapid candidemia identification using T2Candida, a novel diagnostic panel with same-day species-specific results. MATERIALS & METHODS: A 1-year decision-tree model estimates hospital costs (2013 US$) and effects (candidemia-related deaths) for faster diagnostics versus blood culture (BC), accounting for disease prevalence, distribution of Candida species, test characteristics (sensitivity/specificity/time to result), antifungal medication and differential length-of-stay and mortality by appropriate treatment timing. RESULTS: The model estimates a hospital with 5100 annual high-risk patients could possibly save $5,858,448 with T2Candida versus BC, a 47.6% decrease in candidemia diagnosis and treatment budget ($1149/patient tested), while averting 60.6% of candidemia-related mortality. CONCLUSION: Hospitals may observe lower candidemia-related inpatient costs and mortality with rapid Candida diagnosis.