Table 1

Summary of the characteristics of the tested quantitation methods

Lower detection limit*













Log-linear range

Cost per test
 Set up
Method
 (CFU/g)
 (CFU/reaction)
 (CFU/g)
 Time to result (h)
 Ease of use
 (US$)†
 cost ($)
Culture
 102
 1
 102-109
 24
 Easy
 6
 3500
PCR
 104-105
 10-102
 106-108
 4
 Moderate
 12‡
 20 000
ELISA-PCR
 103-104
 1-10
 105-107
 8
 Elaborate
 25‡
 20 000
RTD-PCR (LC)
 103-104
 1-10
 103-109
 1
 Moderate
 9‡
 73 000

*The lower detection limit is variable due to variations in inter-run amplification efficiency. †Not including labour costs, only reagents and disposables. ‡Cost per clinical sample, based on the analysis of batches of 10 clinical samples and eight standards. LC, LightCycler™.

Pirnay et al. Critical Care 2000 4:255   doi:10.1186/cc702