A new study discovered a way to diagnose bacterial infections faster and more accurately. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) collaborated with the Bart’s Health NHS Trust to develop a DNA sequencing approach that detects which bacteria are causing the infection, and which antibiotic would be most effective against it. The sequencing was tested across over 2,000 NHS samples and can deliver results in as little as two days, whereas traditional methods can take from seven days to 8 weeks.
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‘When someone comes into hospital with a serious infection, every hour counts,’ said Dr Chrysi Sergaki, Head of Microbiome at the MHRA. ‘Instead of waiting days or even weeks to identify exactly what’s causing their infection, hospitals can now get answers within 48 hours. This means doctors can start the right treatment sooner, helping patients recover faster and get back home to their families.’
The technology is predicted to help cut down diagnosis times for patients during crucial early hours. The MHRA aims to adapt the new sequencing to be implemented into mainstream hospitals, therefore cutting diagnosis time, risk of complications and risk of spreading infection. While the technology could prevent the unnecessary prescription of antibiotics, it is also being piloted to prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
‘This groundbreaking use of the technology in hospitals will cut diagnosis times down from weeks to just two days enabling doctors to provide the right treatment faster and saving lives, while also fighting the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance,’ said Health Minister Ashley Dalton. ‘As we move from analogue to digital, we are delivering practical solutions for our NHS which will improve patient care and help our frontline staff work more effectively.’