#IntelliSep #sepsis #Froedtert Hospital

Rapid Sepsis Test Revolutionizes Patient Care

A recent study conducted at Froedtert Hospital, an academic medical center in Milwaukee, has unveiled groundbreaking findings regarding the IntelliSep® rapid sepsis test. This innovative diagnostic tool has been shown to lower patient mortality rates by 42% and significantly reduce hospital stays by nearly two days for patients suspected of having infections. Released during the IHI Forum 2025, these findings bring to light the potential of IntelliSep as a vital tool for emergency departments worldwide.

The Importance of Timely Diagnosis

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by the body’s extreme response to infection, leading to widespread inflammation and potential organ failure. Sadly, it accounts for one in three hospital deaths annually in the U.S., making it one of the most significant medical challenges today. Detecting sepsis early remains a daunting task for healthcare professionals due to its symptoms, which often resemble those of various other critical conditions. This test serves as a much-needed lifeline, helping to prioritize care in emergency settings.

Study Overview and Results

The study, conducted between August 2024 and May 2025, analyzed data from 6,040 patients in the emergency department with suspected infections. Using a well-structured method known as propensity matching, researchers could draw valid comparisons between the outcomes of patients tested with IntelliSep and those who did not receive the test.

Key Findings Include:

• - Reduced Hospital Stay: The average length of hospital stay was reduced by almost two days for patients tested with IntelliSep compared to those who weren't. Specifically, septic patients had an average stay shortened by 2.2 days, while non-septic patients saw their stays decrease by 1.7 days.
• - Lower Mortality Rates: Patients receiving the test had a 42% lower chance of mortality overall. For septic patients, the reduction was 35%, while non-septic patients experienced a 43% decrease in mortality rates.

Dr. Thomas Carver, the study's author and Senior Medical Director of Critical Care Services at the Medical College of Wisconsin, stated, “The diagnosis of sepsis can be difficult, especially in emergency settings. IntelliSep enhances physicians' confidence in their diagnostic decisions and optimizes resource use.” His insights underline the test's real-world applicability and its transformative potential for patient outcomes.

Expansion of IntelliSep Adoption

Following this success, Froedtert Hospital is taking significant steps toward broadening the implementation of IntelliSep across its network. The compelling results not only spotlight the efficacy of this diagnostic tool but also its practicality across various healthcare settings.

In addition to the Froedtert findings, data from an earlier peer-reviewed study conducted at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center indicated that over the course of 12 months, IntelliSep associated with a 0.76-day reduction in hospital stays and a 39% decline in sepsis patient mortality. These results emphasize that the advantages of the IntelliSep test are not isolated incidents but rather part of a consistent trend across diverse patient populations.

The Future of Emergency Medicine