Research at ZSFG shows cost savings with rapid TB testing strategy

Results from a study at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center (ZSFG) published in JAMA Internal Medicine showed that rapid molecular testing yielded cost savings greater than $13k per isolated tuberculosis (TB)-negative patient. By implementing a rapid testing strategy, patients who tested negative were able to discontinue respiratory isolation in significantly less time than in the pre-implementation period.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), TB cost the U.S. $451 million in 2016. This study shows promise that a rapid molecular testing strategy for TB may decrease costs and improve patient experience.