Tampa General Hospital Implements Cutting-Edge Technology for Enhanced Sepsis Diagnosis and Treatment

Tampa General Hospital (TGH), a leading academic health system, has taken a significant step in improving sepsis management by adopting MeMed BV®, a groundbreaking diagnostic tool, making it the first facility in the Southeast to do so. This innovative technology assesses the body’s immune response to differentiate rapidly between bacterial and viral infections, aiming to enhance both the early detection and treatment of sepsis, a critical medical emergency that affects millions annually.

Transforming Sepsis Care

Sepsis, defined as the body’s extreme reaction to infection, requires immediate and precise intervention. Each year, approximately 1.7 million adults in the United States develop sepsis, leading to severe health complications and fatalities. The timely identification of this condition is vital, as outcomes depend heavily on prompt treatment. With the integration of MeMed BV, TGH is set to revolutionize how sepsis is diagnosed and treated, significantly improving the clinical workflow within the emergency department.

The newly adopted host-response technology offers results within a remarkable 15 minutes, granting emergency care teams crucial information at a pivotal moment in the clinical decision-making process. This rapid turnaround can be vital in deciding the necessity of antibiotics, minimising unnecessary antibiotic use, and optimising patient management.

Evidence-Based Approach

Research conducted in collaboration with USF Health physicians underpins the adoption of this technology at TGH. A comprehensive study conducted on both adult and pediatric emergency department patients has demonstrated the effectiveness of integrating MeMed BV into existing sepsis alert workflows. In this analysis, conducted from September 2024 to October 2025, a total of 893 adult patients were evaluated. The study revealed a remarkable 26% increase in patients being reclassified as unlikely to have sepsis, alongside a significant 33% reduction in the use of cefepime, a potent antibiotic, and a 13% decrease in hospitalizations for patients flagged by sepsis alerts. Furthermore, this effective management strategy is projected to result in substantial savings, estimated at $179,000 per 100 patients due to reduced admissions and shorter hospital stays.

Michele Moran, senior vice president of the Emergency Services Institute at TGH, highlighted the critical need for precise information in sepsis cases, asserting that speed alone is insufficient. The incorporation of evidence-based technology into the existing clinical workflow enables healthcare providers to make informed decisions more efficiently, thus enhancing the quality of care provided to patients.

Bridging Research and Clinical Practice

The successful transition of MeMed BV from research to practical application showcases the vital role of academic health systems in addressing complex clinical challenges. Dr. Jason Wilson, chair of USF Emergency Medicine, emphasized that effective response to sepsis requires distinguishing between bacterial infections that necessitate aggressive antibiotic therapy and other potential causes for the symptoms.

MeMed BV works uniquely by analyzing the immune system's response to infection and measuring three immune-system proteins: TRAIL, IP-10, and CRP. Utilizing a validated algorithm, the technology generates a comprehensive score to assess the likelihood of a bacterial infection compared to a viral one. This innovative approach is designed to complement physicians’ clinical evaluations and guide their decisions regarding antibiotic use.

A Broader Strategy for Sepsis Management

The deployment of MeMed BV is part of a broader strategy by Tampa General to revolutionize sepsis care through advanced technology and innovation. In collaboration with Palantir Technologies, TGH has developed the Sepsis Hub, integrating real-time clinical data to identify at-risk patients earlier, allowing for timely intervention.

The combination of the Sepsis Hub’s capabilities with MeMed BV’s host-response testing provides clinicians with an invaluable resource for understanding a patient's infection dynamics. This multi-faceted approach not only aids clinical decision-making but also aligns with broader antibiotic stewardship efforts by providing precise information aimed at reducing unnecessary antibiotic exposure.

TGH's decision to integrate such leading-edge technology reflects its commitment to advancing patient care through rigorous research and innovation. As it continues to refine its sepsis management strategies, Tampa General Hospital exemplifies the transition of evidence-based practices into real-world applications that improve patient outcomes and enhance healthcare delivery overall.

About Tampa General Hospital

Tampa General Hospital is recognized as Florida's premier academic health system, with a commitment to public service, research, and educational excellence. TGH operates as a not-for-profit network, providing high-quality medical and outpatient services throughout the state, including specialized care in trauma and critical health conditions. For more information on TGH's initiatives and services, visit www.tgh.org.