The impact of the FilmArray meningitis/encephalitis panel on empiric antibiotic prescriptions in patients with suspected community-acquired meningitis

Abstract

The BioFire® FilmArray® meningitis/encephalitis (FA/ME) panel provides rapid testing for common cerebrospinal fluid pathogens. We compared empiric antibiotic utilization between patients with suspected community-acquired meningitis with and without an FA/ME panel ordered. No significant differences in antibiotic use were found.