Projected burden of bloodstream infections and the impact of molecular rapid diagnostic testing on costs and mortality in England and the United States (2025–2029): a population-level budget impact analysis

INTRODUCTION: Data on bloodstream infections (BSIs) indicate a growth in incidence over time. This analysis utilised data from England and the best available United States (US) evidence to predict BSI incidence over the years 2025 to 2029. The analysis utilised evidence on the cost-effectiveness of molecular rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) to estimate the cost and mortality associated with BSI in adults, and the potential for increased use of mRDTs to save lives. METHODS: Data on BSI incidence by age group and sex for England from 2004 to 2024 and the US from 2003 to 2005 were combined with demographic projections for 2025 to 2029 to estimate the number of BSIs. Published costs and mortality associated with BSIs in adults were used to estimate lives saved and the cost impact of widespread use of mRDTs in England and the US. RESULTS: Eplex* blood culture identification (BCID) panels for pathogen identification would save 1,864 lives in England and 6,882 lives in the US over a 5-year period, while also reducing healthcare expenditure in both countries. CONCLUSION: There is a compelling argument to increase the uptake of mRDTs to improve patient outcomes. This analysis demonstrates the potential for mRDT adoption to reduce BSI burden with respect to lives and healthcare expenditure.