Abstract 2021: Differential expression of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes induced by e-cigarette aerosol

Background The BioFire FilmArrary GI Panel Assay is a highly sensitive PCR-based diagnostic test capable of detecting 22 different gastrointestinal pathogens from stool specimens. The predominant pathogens associated with hospital-acquired gastroenteritis are Clostridioides difficile and Norovirus, both of which can be assayed individually with PCR-based tests performed at UCHealth. Previous studies favor a cost-saving ‘3-day rule,’ that restricts ordering culture-based stool testing on inpatient adults following the 3rd day of hospitalization. However, the previous studies performed a limited analysis of pathogens using predominantly culture-based assays. Furthermore certain patient groups may be at high risk for developing nosocomial diarrhea with less common organisms, which may go undetected if the 3-day rule were enforced for the GI panel assay. Thus there is a need to validate whether the 3-day rule is appropriate for restricting the use of the GI panel assay for the evaluation of nosocomial diarrhea.