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SPOT TEST

New test that detects sepsis in minutes could save thousands of lives – know the signs of killer infection

A new blood test will be able to detect deadly sepsis in a matter of hours, rather than the days it currently takes, scientists say

A LIFESAVING two-and-a-half minute test for deadly sepsis has been developed by scientists.

The new check could be rolled out across the NHS within three years – and stop thousands of deaths, researchers claim.

A new blood test will be able to detect deadly sepsis in a matter of hours, rather than the days it currently takes, scientists say
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A new blood test will be able to detect deadly sepsis in a matter of hours, rather than the days it currently takes, scientists sayCredit: Getty - Contributor

It currently takes up to 72 hours to diagnose the killer condition, which costs 52,000 lives a year.

That's more than bowel, breast and prostate cancer combined.

Sepsis occurs when an infection - such as blood poisoning - sparks a violent immune response causing the body to attack its own organs.

If treated quickly it can be stopped. But it is notoriously difficult to diagnose.

The condition, which can cause fever and chills, kills around 52,000 people a year - more than breast, bowel and prostate cancer combined
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The condition, which can cause fever and chills, kills around 52,000 people a year - more than breast, bowel and prostate cancer combinedCredit: Getty - Contributor

Now experts at Strathclyde University have developed a new low-cost test that identifies a key protein in the blood.

It is made by the immune system and high levels are a strong indicator of sepsis.

During trials, the new test picked up elevated readings within two and a half minutes.

Experts hope the test will be used at the bedside in hospitals and in GP surgeries.

 Little William Mead's died at the age of just 12 months in December 2014, after medics failed to spot signs of sepsis
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Little William Mead's died at the age of just 12 months in December 2014, after medics failed to spot signs of sepsisCredit: BBC

Dr Damion Corrigan, from the department of biomedical engineering at Strathclyde, said: "With sepsis, the timing is key.

"For every hour that you delay antibiotic treatment, the likelihood of death increases.”

Dr Ron Daniels, chief executive of the UK Sepsis Trust, said earlier diagnosis and treatment across the UK could save at least 14,000 lives a year.

Sepsis hit the headlines following the death of 12-month-old William Mead, who died in December 2014 after health professionals failed to recognise he had the condition.

Mum Melissa Mead, said: “Anything that’s going to identify sepsis much more quickly and enable quicker access to treatment is always welcome.

William's parents Melissa and Paul welcomed the new test
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William's parents Melissa and Paul welcomed the new testCredit: SWNS

“In that way, the test is brilliant news.

“But doctors and people need to think about sepsis - you can’t access the test unless somebody suspects you’ve got sepsis.

“Doctors need to be thinking sepsis so they can fast-track patients.”

What are the three stages of sepsis?

Sepsis affects the body in three distinct stages.

Stage One

An infection invades a specific part of the body - pneumonia affects the lungs, for example - triggering the immune system into action.

The germs and toxins produced by the bacteria or virus leave the original site of infection and enter the bloodstream.

This causes the inflammatory response known as SIRS (systemic inflammatory response syndrome).

Stage Two

Individual organs throughout the body become affected and begin to deteriorate.

In severe cases, this can lead to organ failure.

Stage Three

More than one organ stops functioning, and the patient experiences cardio-circulatory failure that leads to a sudden drop in blood pressure.

This is known more commonly as septic shock.

What are the signs of sepsis you should never ignore?

If you, a loved one, or in the case of medical professionals their patient, feels "severely sick", doesn't appear to be themselves and shows any of the following symptoms, sepsis should be suspected:

  • weakness
  • loss of appetite
  • fever and chills
  • thirst
  • difficult or rapid breathing
  • rapid heart rate
  • low blood pressure
  • low urine output

If a person is suffering these symptoms and they are thought to have suffered an infection - pneumonia, abdominal infection, urinary infection, or a wound - sepsis is a likely cause.


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