Table 3.
Cost estimates for Alfred 60/AST device compared to current testing algorithms for 508 specimens based on observed testing characteristics
| Test cost | Cost in AU$ |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microscopy | Culture | Alfred 60 device | Totala | |
| Current algorithm | 1,001 | 1,017 | 2,017 | |
| Culture of Alfred 60/AST-positive specimens only | 284 | 1,270 | 1,554 | |
| Culture of Alfred 60/AST positives and selected Alfred 60/AST negativesb | 277 | 300 | 1,270 | 1,847 |
a
Total cost represents the sum of labor (AU$30/hour) and consumables calculated in Australian dollars. Samples positive for both methods require identification and susceptibility costs which have been excluded. Similarly, upfront acquisitions of the Alfred 60/AST device and phase-contrast microscope have been excluded.
b
Alfred 60/AST negatives are cultured when microscopy results are positive.