New Sepsis Test Could Save Thousands Of Lives Each Year

Crucially, it could mean that the average time taken to diagnose the condition could plummet from around 72 hours to just three minutes.

Why sepsis is so hard to catch

Due to the complexities of the symptoms of sepsis, it can be difficult to diagnose in sufficient enough time for the patient to receive the correct antibiotics.

In the UK alone, around 52,000 people are killed each year from the deadly condition, which is usually triggered by an infection.

An infection can begin anywhere in the body through urine or chest infections, abdominal problems, burst ulcers or even from simple cuts and bites.

If a sepsis infection goes untreated, the immune system can go into overdrive and start attacking the vital organs. The patient can then go into shock and suffer from multiple organ failure and possible death as a result.

How the three-minute test works

The test is not only fast, but also low-cost and uses a biosensor device to check for the presence of a specific protein biomarker called interleukin-6 (IL-6). IL-6 is produced by the immune system and commonly found in the bloodstream of those who have contracted sepsis.

Some of the most common symptoms of sepsis include a high temperature, fast breathing, a rapid heartbeat, confusion or disorientation, nausea, chills, diarrhoea and cold clammy mottled skin.

What the researchers say

Dr Damion Corrigan, from the biomedical engineering department at the University of Strathclyde, said:

"With sepsis, the timing is key. For every hour that you delay antibiotic treatment, the likelihood of death increases."

“At the moment, the 72-hour blood test is a very labour intensive process but 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.”

“If GP surgeries had access they could also do quick tests which could potentially save lives.”

“It could also be available in A&E departments so that anyone coming in with a question mark could be quickly ruled in or out.”

“I would hope the test could improve survival rates by ensuring people get treatment more quickly.”

“It’s not just saving lives, a lot of people who survive sepsis suffer life-changing effects, including limb loss, kidney failure and post-traumatic stress disorder.”

“The test could stop a lot of suffering.”

From the lab to GP surgeries

It is hoped that the test will eventually be used in GP surgeries and in hospitals and help medical practitioners to diagnose the condition quickly.

Dr Corrigan, said "If GP surgeries had access they could also do quick tests which could potentially save lives. It could also be available in A&E departments so that anyone coming in with a question mark could be quickly ruled in or out."

Image courtesy of the University of Strathclyde.

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