The Evolution and Evaluation of a Whole Blood Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay for the Detection of Invasive Aspergillosis in Hematology Patients in a Routine Clinical Setting

Abstract

A negative PCR result can be used to rule out IA and to limit the need for empirical antifungal therapy; thus, it has a role in diagnosing IA infections, especially in combination with antigen testing. PCR-positive cases classified as "false positives" regularly reflect the limitations of classic microbiological procedures or restricted use of consensus clinical methods employed to classify infection.