New blood test could diagnose newborn sepsis in 30 minutes
A blood test diagnoses newborn sepsis in 30 minutes. It improves accuracy to 95 percent.
Newborn sepsis is a serious infection. Missed early, it kills babies or causes lifelong disabilities.
Researchers Andrew Currie and Tobias Strunk spent a decade developing this test. Telethon has funded it.
The new machine detects blood markers at the bedside in under 30 minutes. Lab tests normally take hours.
The test improves accuracy from 60 to 95 percent. Premature babies are most at risk.
Earlier diagnosis means fewer unnecessary antibiotics. These drugs harm infant development.
They also spread antibiotic resistance in hospitals. The test could reach hospitals within two years.
- 30 minutes
- Test duration
- 60% to 95%
- Accuracy improvement
- 10 years
- Development timeframe
- 2 years
- Hospital rollout timeline
Why it mattersFaster, more accurate diagnosis saves babies' lives. Those who survive also have better odds of avoiding long-term damage.
AustraliaWA-developed test will give Australian hospitals a world-leading tool to save newborn lives and reduce antibiotic overuse.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 52 min ago
Open this story in InSnip →
