#Australia #Brisbane #SeptiCyte RAPID #Immunexpress #Neutropenia

Study Confirms SeptiCyte RAPID's Diagnostic Capabilities

Immunexpress, a company specializing in molecular diagnostics, recently unveiled findings from a groundbreaking study focused on its innovative test, SeptiCyte RAPID. This publication sheds light on the test's potential in differentiating between severe infections and sterile inflammation in patients readmitted for treatment following bone marrow transplants.

Understanding the Context

Patients afflicted with hematological malignancies such as leukemia and lymphoma often experience febrile neutropenia—a condition characterized by fever and low white blood cell counts, putting them at heightened risk for severe infections. Traditional microbiological tests frequently return negative results or take too long, complicating the timely administration of appropriate treatment. This is where SeptiCyte RAPID comes into play, providing a swift and reliable means of diagnosis.

Key Findings from the Study

The study, published in the European Journal of Haematology, evaluated the effectiveness of SeptiCyte RAPID in various hematologic patient populations. Noteworthy findings included:

1. Correlation with Clinical Infections: Elevated SeptiScores, a numerical value generated by the test, aligned closely with confirmed infections, affirming the test's accuracy even in the face of inflammatory responses caused by procedures and disease.
2. Consistency Across Patient Types: The diagnostic effectiveness of SeptiCyte RAPID remained stable across different hematological conditions, suggesting its utility in various immunocompromised scenarios.
3. Strong Diagnostic Performance: The study highlighted an AUC (Area Under the Curve) of 0.84 for distinguishing infectious from non-infectious fever, with an optimal cut-off score of 6.9 for indicating severe infection.
4. Effective in Low Leukocyte Counts: The technology proved successful in categorizing infections even in patients with critically low leukocyte levels, below 25 cells/μl, emphasizing its potential in dire clinical situations.

Expert Perspective

Associate Professor Patrick Harris at the University of Queensland, a key figure in this research, noted that accurately diagnosed febrile neutropenia remains a complex challenge, especially as conventional microbiology often yields no results. He emphasized the urgency of identifying infections early to prevent escalations into life-threatening sepsis. The findings suggest that using SeptiCyte RAPID alongside traditional methods could enhance clinical judgment in determining the presence of infections versus sterile inflammation, appropriate resource allocation, and antimicrobial stewardship.

About SeptiCyte RAPID

SeptiCyte RAPID is a streamlined diagnostic tool that employs reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to assess gene expression from whole blood. This test generates a SeptiScore within approximately one hour, categorizing patients based on their likelihood of septic conditions. Designed to complement clinical assessments and additional lab findings, its rapid results play a critical role in timely and efficient patient care.

The test is already CE marked in Europe and has received regulatory clearances across the United States, Europe, and Australia for hospital use, demonstrating its aligning with both clinical demands and regulatory standards.

Conclusion

Immunexpress continues to pave the way for advancements in sepsis diagnostics. The results from the recent study affirm the significant role SeptiCyte RAPID can play in improving outcomes for high-risk patients by enabling quicker and more informed clinical decisions. As healthcare systems strive to reduce the burden of sepsis, innovations like this could become a cornerstone of effective patient management.

For further information on Immunexpress and its pioneering technologies, you may visit their official website or connect with them on social media platforms.