Clinical and Economic Value of Rapid Microbiological Diagnostics in Bloodstream Infections: A State-of-the-Art Evidence Review with Emphasis on PCR and MALDI-TOF

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Conventional diagnostics are limited by delayed results, often postponing appropriate antimicrobial therapy. This review aimed to evaluate the clinical and economic value of rapid microbiological diagnostics in BSI management. A state-of-the-art evidence synthesis was conducted using structured searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, EconLit, and Google Scholar (2013–2025). Eligible studies included economic evaluations and clinical studies reporting downstream economic or resource-use outcomes. Screening and data extraction were performed by two reviewers, and findings were narratively synthesized. Fifty-nine studies were included. Rapid diagnostics consistently reduced time to pathogen identification and targeted therapy compared to conventional methods. Molecular platforms provided results within hours, while MALDI-TOF enabled identification within 30–60 min after culture positivity. Clinical benefits included earlier therapy optimization, reduced mortality, and shorter hospital stays, particularly when combined with antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs). Economic evaluations demonstrated improved cost-effectiveness, including reduced hospitalization, ICU utilization, and antimicrobial costs. MALDI-TOF with stewardship showed notable cost savings and improved outcomes. However, results varied depending on implementation context, infrastructure, and workflow integration. Rapid microbiological diagnostics offer significant clinical and economic benefits in BSI management, particularly when integrated with stewardship programs. Context-specific implementation is essential to maximize their value across healthcare systems.