Price sensitivity in the clinical testing market for Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase

Abstract

This thesis studies the potential for using molecular testing for ESBL in Norwegian hospitals. Background material was obtained by checking the prices of existing kits, doing an interview with one of Norway’s foremost experts on ESBL testing and performing calculations based on public statistics. A survey was then performed that was expected to form the basis of a price sensitivity analysis. The number of respondents was too low for statistical analysis, but a very rough estimate for the kit prices that microbiological hospital labs are willing to pay was obtained. The realism of this price level is discussed. All responses were from medium sized hospitals. They also stated that the throughput they needed would be 8 to 24 samples per run. This confirms theoretical estimates of the throughput needed for Norwegian hospitals of medium size.