26
Feb 2019
New test for sepsis could produce results ‘in minutes’
Researchers have developed a new rapid test which could lead to an earlier diagnosis of sepsis.
The study suggests that the device could potentially produce results in less than three minutes.
Sepsis is a serious complication of an infection, it is complicated to diagnose and it is estimated that around 52,000 people die each year from the condition in the UK.
Early diagnosis of the condition is crucial as for each hour of delayed antibiotic treatment, the likelihood of death increases. Diagnosis is usually based on heart rate, breathing rate, blood tests and body temperature.
Dr Damion Corrigan, a developer of the test, said “The type of test we envisage could be at the bedside and involve doctors or nurses being able to monitor levels of sepsis biomarkers for themselves.”
He added that the test could be used at GP surgeries and A&E departments to rule sepsis in or out, assuming it was approved through clinical trials.
Clinical adviser and co-author of the project Dr David Alcorn, said “The implications for this are massive, and the ability to give the right antibiotic at the right time to the right patient is extraordinary.
“I can definitely see this having a clear use in hospitals, not only in this country, but all round the world.”
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Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
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