A state-of-the-art diagnostic technology has been introduced at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) to identify infection-causing pathogens and determine effective antibiotics for critically ill patients within a short time.
The newly installed 'BioFire FilmArray' machine at the ICU Microbiology Lab will reduce the time required for the 'Blood Culture and Sensitivity' test from around 72 hours to only two hours, hospital sources said.
The advanced device, a latest version of multiplex PCR technology, can identify more than 100 pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, through a single test.
"Finally, after discussions with the importing company in Bangladesh, the device has been provided to the RMCH ICU free of cost," RMCH ICU In-charge Dr Abu Hena Mustafa Kamal said.
The market price of the newly installed BioFire machine is around Tk 60 lakh, according to the importing company. Each pathogen identification test using the device may cost between Tk 16,000 and Tk 21,500 for a patient.
The device was inaugurated at a ceremony on Sunday, where Debkishore Gupta, South Asia Director of the manufacturing company, joined virtually.
Doctors said the new technology would significantly reduce the delay in selecting appropriate antibiotics for critically ill patients and help provide the right medicine at the right time, improving patient outcomes.
