The blood test, calledIntelliSep, received clearancefrom the FDA in January.
It will be available for use in the ER in the coming weeks.
Early diagnosis is essential because thats when clinicians can make the biggest impact.
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What Is Sepsis?
Bacteria cause most cases of sepsis, but so can viruses, fungi, and parasites.
But in the case of sepsis, the immune systems reaction occurs across the entire body and runs amok.
These structural changes can alert providers that a patient may develop sepsis as a result of their infection.
Sepsis has many signs and symptoms that are non-specific.
Symptoms of Sepsis
There is currently no test that will definitively diagnose sepsis.
Healthcare providers can use the IntelliSep results to guide further management of a patients care.
A medium-risk result might prompt a clinician to order further tests to determine the cause of a patients illness.
A high-risk result should encourage providers to be on higher alert to assess for signs of impending sepsis.
ER teams could use this data to help prioritize care for patients, such as starting antibiotics sooner.
The IntelliSep team thinks the test will also help healthcare providers outside of the ER down the road.
Ultimately, recognizing sepsis earlier will save patients money.
What This Means For You
The IntelliSep test is not yet widely available in hospitals.
If you do suspect an infection, do not delay seeking treatment.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is sepsis?
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Sepsis.
