Multiplex PCR assay underreports true bloodstream infections with coagulase-negative staphylococci in hematological patients with febrile neutropenia.

SeptiFast multiplex PCR assay was evaluated for detecting true bloodstream infections (BSIs) with coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) in neutropenic hematological patients. Sensitivity for samples representing true CoNS-BSIs was 23.3% with an integrated cutoff and increased to 83.3% if the cutoff was neglected. Hence, the cutoff may prohibit timely targeted antimicrobial therapy.