Molecular assays for the diagnosis of sepsis in neonates: a diagnostic test accuracy review

Thomas H. Dierikx, Douwe H. Visser, Tim de Meij, James Versalovic, Mariska Leeflang, Chris Cooper, Mohan Pammi

Molecular assays have the advantage of producing rapid results and have moderate diagnostic accuracy. Molecular assays may prevent overuse of antibiotics in neonates with suspected sepsis. The efficacy and cost-effectiveness of these molecular assays should be evaluated using randomized trials comparing molecular assays as an add-on test versus conventional methods without the add-on test in neonates with suspected sepsis.