A way has been found to quickly detect sepsis
Optical biosensor, created by scientists from the Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne, can detect sepsis in minutes, according to Science Daily . Sepsis - a rapid systemic response of the body to a bacterial infection - is one of the leading causes of death in hospitals and one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Until now, there were no means to quickly diagnose sepsis: the fastest tests now take from half an hour to three days. Moreover, in the case of sepsis, the risk of death of the patient is extremely high and every minute counts. The device, developed by Swiss scientists using nanotechnology, involves the use of inexpensive materials: a simple LED and a camera that can detect the presence and concentration of two biomarkers of sepsis - procalcitonin and C-reactive protein - in the patient’s serum. Scientists believe that a portable and inexpensive diagnostic device that can be equipped not only clinics but also ambulances, will significantly reduce the risk of death from sepsis.