Rapid Diagnosis of Bacterial Sepsis

Based on a clinically validated biological assay the project will deliver a prototype point of
care device to be used directly at the bed-side of a patient that is capable of diagnosis of
bacterial sepsis within minutes of mixing serum/plasma with a reagent solution. The assay
detects abnormal blood chemistry before standard physiological sepsis is diagnosed and this
has been shown in children and adults in settings that include the emergency room, postsurgery,
oncology and intensive care units. The technology has already demonstrated some
early technical feasibility with small volume reagents, but still requires coupling with a
bespoke hand held reader to deliver a test result from a 'pin-prick' of blood allowing bed-side
format from sample to result. The result can be both qualitative for diagnosis (Yes/No) and
quantitative for repeated use. It will be designed to frequently monitor the progression of the
symptoms with a view to reducing overuse of antibiotics.
The ultimate aim is to develop a product that will be the most effective point-of-care (POC)
device for the diagnosis of bacterial sepsis on the market and thus address the global health
issue of rising sepsis mortality.
The planned work scheduled over the next 12 months will consist of a series of different
models that will test functionality of interacting components in order to optimise conditions
for a small demonstrator device, generate new IP and interact with health care professional
end users such that their requirements for appropriate intervention are met.