ArticlePathogens (Basel, Switzerland)2025
A Cell-Free DNA Plasma Next-Generation Sequencing Test-Is It Worth the Cost?
Article in Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland), 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Improved Case Detection of Fleaborne Typhus by PCR Testing, Los Angeles County, California, USA, 2022-2024.Emerging infectious diseases · 2026Article
- Evolving microbiology laboratories: mastering automated culture-based processes and molecular assays, an institutional experience.Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology · 2026Review
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundThe Karius Test (KT), a microbial cell-free DNA next-generation sequencing assay, is increasingly utilized in challenging infectious syndromes. However, its real-world clinical utility and cost-effectiveness remain uncertain.
methodsWe conducted a retrospective review of 88 KT results from adult patients at UC San Diego Health between July 2017 and April 2024. Each case was evaluated for clinical impact using standardized criteria. We analyzed diagnostic yield, turnaround time, number needed to test (NNT), and institutional billing data for reimbursement and cost implications.
resultsOf 88 unique tests, forty-nine (55.7%) identified at least one pathogen. Eleven (12.5%) had a positive clinical impact-eight provided the only microbiologic diagnosis, and three were faster than conventional methods. Vascular/graft infections showed the highest yield. Twenty-one tests had a neutral impact; fifty-six showed no clinical benefit. The Median turnaround time was 3 days. The NNT was 6.1 or 2.75 including neutral cases. Cost analysis revealed a substantial financial burden without transparent reimbursement mechanisms in inpatient settings.
conclusionThe KT demonstrates modest clinical utility with noteworthy benefits in select scenarios. Given its high cost and variable impact, we advocate for diagnostic stewardship led by infectious disease specialists to optimize test use and minimize unnecessary expense.
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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.