The Impact of Rapid Molecular Diagnostics on the Management of Viral Infections in Immunocompromised Patients: A Clinical Evaluation

This retrospective cohort study evaluates the impact of rapid molecular diagnostics on the management of viral infections in immunocompromised patients at a tertiary hospital. A total of 300 patients were included, with 150 diagnosed using traditional methods and 150 using rapid molecular diagnostics. The study found that rapid diagnostics significantly reduced the time to diagnosis (6.2 vs. 48 hours, p < 0.01) and initiation of antiviral therapy (9.8 vs. 52.5 hours, p < 0.01). Patients in the rapid diagnostic group experienced shorter hospital stays (10.5 vs. 16.4 days, p < 0.01), lower ICU admissions (20% vs. 40%, p < 0.01), and reduced mortality (7% vs. 15%, p = 0.02). These results demonstrate that rapid molecular diagnostics improve clinical outcomes and should be integrated into routine care for immunocompromised patients.