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NHS A rapid blood test designed to diagnose life-threatening conditions such as: sepsis And Meningitis Among children.
The 15-minute MeMed BV blood test can make a rapid diagnosis by differentiating between bacterial and viral infections.
Instead of relying on blood test results, which can take hours and require analysis in a laboratory, the test can rapidly indicate whether a patient has a bacterial infection that may benefit from immediate antibiotics.
Experts believe the change could save lives and enable more appropriate treatments for people who do not need antibiotics.
Doctors participating in the trial say they have already seen benefits.
In one case, a child suffering from meningococcal meningitis was treated too quickly and another child suffering from sepsis was immediately started on antibiotics.
NHS England has funded trials of the technology in three emergency departments: Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, St Mary’s Hospital in London and Great North Children’s Hospital in Newcastle.
Annitan Carroll, Professor of Pediatric Infections at the University of Liverpool, who is leading the project, said: “Many children who come to hospital have a fever and this test can quickly differentiate between a minor viral illness, such as a cold, or a more serious infection.
“Our study is investigating whether this definitive test for bacterial or viral infection would be useful in helping doctors make faster decisions and reduce the use of unnecessary antibiotics – which is better for patients and the NHS.”
Dr Charlotte Durand, consultant in pediatric emergency medicine at Alder Hey, said the trial “could have a huge impact on the emergency care of pediatric patients”.
Dr Ron Daniels, founder and chief medical officer of the UK Sepsis Trust, said testing could save lives.
He said: “A recent national publication suggested that, where infection was present, care was not optimal in 40% of the approximately 500 child deaths each year.
“Making the right decisions about giving antimicrobials early to children who most need antibiotics has the potential to save dozens of young lives every year.”
He said serious infections and sepsis are “one of the biggest serious illnesses facing our NHS”, while resistance to antibiotics, largely caused by over-prescription, also affects thousands of patients.
He added: “Using antibiotics more wisely – which means stopping them in those who will not benefit and giving them urgently to those who need them most – has never been more important.
“This new (NHS) research, examining the real-world performance of a wide range of potentially important new tests, aims to differentiate between people with bacterial infections, who may need and benefit from antibiotics, and people with viral infections, who will not benefit.
“Although the study is in children, previous studies have shown its performance in adults to be even better, meaning there is potential opportunity for people of all ages.
“However, one challenge facing the NHS is understanding how to properly integrate these tests into clinical systems – and how to support clinicians making decisions based on the results.
“There is an urgent need to change the way we bring such innovative and rapid diagnostics into the NHS.”
symptoms of sepsis
NHS
Call 999 or go to A&E if a baby or young child has any of these symptoms of sepsis:
- blue, brown, yellow or blotched skin, lips or tongue – it may be easier to see on brown or black skin, the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet
- A rash that does not go away even if you turn a glass on it, similar to meningitis
- Difficulty breathing (you may notice grunting sounds or their stomach pressing under their ribs), shortness of breath or breathing very fast
- A weak, high-pitched cry that is not like their normal cry
- They are not responding normally, or are not interested in food or normal activities
- sleeping more than usual or having difficulty waking up
Professor Simon Kenny, national clinical director for children and young people at NHS England, said: “Innovations like the 15-minute blood test speed up diagnosis and allow focused treatment, as well as freeing up resources to treat more patients, so it’s great that we are able to trial the test this winter when the NHS is at its busiest.”
Dr Emma Lim, consultant pediatrician at the Great North Children’s Hospital in Newcastle, said: “Every year, thousands of worried parents bring their children to hospital with a fever.
“Often, it turns out to be nothing serious – but it’s hard to know at the moment.
“Such a quick and reliable test could help doctors make decisions faster, and reduce the need for unnecessary antibiotics, which is better for patients, parents and the NHS.”
The study on MiMed BV test will continue till March.