University of Strathclyde researchers have developed a test designed to lead to a quicker diagnosis of sepsis, potentially saving lives.
Using a microelectrode, a biosensor device is used to detect if one of the protein biomarkers of sepsis– interleukin-6 – is present in the bloodstream. IL-6 is a molecule secreted by the immune system and the levels of it in the blood increase in many of those who have the condition.
The results of the research show that the increased levels of the molecule can be detected by the test as quickly as two and a half minutes, whereas existing hospital tests can take up to 72 hours to process.
Dr Damion Corrigan, from the department of Biomedical Engineering at Strathclyde, said: “The research shows that the tools we’ve developed could underpin a rapid test for sepsis.
“We’ve developed a needle shaped sensor with different electrodes and have shown we can detect one sepsis biomarker in almost real time, at the clinically relevant levels.
“When levels go up, as they do in sepsis, we can detect that too. Sepsis is quite complex and difficult to diagnose but IL-6 is one of the best markers.
“Our research so far shows you can measure a single sepsis marker, but there are actually eight sensors on the needle, each about the same diameter as a human hair and the idea is that in the future we can get multiple markers on the one microchip for a more comprehensive test.”
The device takes a pin prick of blood which is then put on the chip for the result to be read. Its needle shape means it can also be implanted and used on patients in intensive care.
Sepsis develops when the chemicals in the immune system releases into the bloodstream to fight an infection instead cause inflammation throughout the entire body.
Without quick treatment, it can lead to multiple organ failure and death. A delay of just one hour for giving the correct antibiotic can mean an increase in the likelihood of death. It is usually diagnosed based on simple measurements such as body temperature, heart rate and breathing rate, with patients often giving a blood test.
Researchers at the University of Leeds, Dr Chris Russell and Dr Paul Steenson, made the sensing element using microfabrication, while the Strathclyde team did all the measurements and developed the test using the sensor.
Dr Corrigan added: “At the moment the 72-hour blood test is a very labour intensive process because the doctor orders the test on a computer with samples going to a central laboratory for processing and return of the result.
“The type of test we envisage could for example 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.
The project’s clinical advisor and co-author, consultant anaesthetist Dr David Alcorn, who is based at Paisley’s Royal Alexandra Hospital, said he believes the ‘extraordinary’ technology could have global implications.
He 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.
“Finding the correct drug not only targets care for that patient, but will cut down on needless antibiotics and the reduced chance of antibiotic resistance.”
Dr Ron Daniels, CEO of the UK Sepsis Trust Sepsis Trust said it believes that earlier diagnosis and treatment across the UK would save at least 14,000 lives a year.
He said: "Systems like this are so important as, with every hour before the right antibiotics are administered, risk of death increases. No test is perfect in the identification of sepsis, so it’s crucial we continue to educate clinicians to think sepsis in order to prompt them to use such tests."
The project was funded by Tenovus Scotland and the Dowager Countess Eleanor Peel Trust.
