An innovative 15-minute blood test which can fast-track the diagnosis of children with potentially life-threatening conditions is being trialled by the NHS this winter, including at Newcastle’s Great North Children’s Hospital (GNCH).
The hi-tech blood test can distinguish between bacterial or viral infections much more quickly than traditional tests – so serious diseases like sepsis or meningitis can be picked up sooner.
Potential to make a vital difference
NHS England has funded a trial of the technology in three hospitals, with doctors saying it could make a “vital difference” to the care of children.
If a child arrives at hospital with a fever, clinicians need to determine whether it’s a sign of a more minor illness or a life-threatening condition. Currently, a blood sample needs to be analysed in the laboratory to confirm the most likely type of infection, a process which can take time.
The new, faster blood test only takes 15 minutes to show whether an infection is viral or bacterial. This more rapid information could cut the time it takes to diagnose illnesses, mean patients can be treated more quickly, and prevent unnecessary antibiotics from being given.
Already seeing benefits
Doctors taking part say they have already seen the benefits of the test, including in a child with meningococcal meningitis who could be treated much more quickly as a result and a child with sepsis who could start antibiotics straight away.
Professor Simon Kenny, National Clinical Director for Children and Young People at NHS England, said:
“Quick diagnosis is crucial in ensuring patients get the most effective treatment, particularly for children who may have a potentially life-threatening illness.
“Innovations like the 15-minute blood test speed up diagnosis and allow focussed treatment, as well as freeing up resources to treat more patients, so it’s great we’re able to trial the test this winter when the NHS is at its busiest.
“These pilots are a crucial step in testing new technology so that innovations with the most impact can be rolled out to further improve care for more NHS patients.
The study looking at the MeMed BV test is being led by the University of Liverpool and Health Innovation North West Coast with funding provided through NHS England’s Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) Healthcare, which aims to speed-up adoption of innovations into healthcare.
Quick and reliable
Dr Emma Lim, Consultant Paediatrician at the Great North Children’s Hospital, is leading the study in Newcastle with support from the paediatric research team. She said:
“Every year, thousands of worried parents bring their children with fever to hospital.
“Often, it turns out to be nothing serious — but it’s hard to know in the moment. A quick and reliable test like this can help doctors make faster decisions, and reduce the need for unnecessary antibiotics, which is better for patients, parents, and the NHS.”
Professor Enitan Carrol, Professor of Paediatric Infection at the University of Liverpool, who is leading the project, said:
“Many of the children who come to hospital have a fever and this test can quickly distinguish between a minor viral illness like a cold, or a more serious infection.
“Our study is investigating whether this definitive test for a bacterial or viral infection will be useful in helping doctors make faster decisions and reducing the use of unnecessary antibiotics – all of which is better for patients and the NHS.”
The health service is predicting another pressured winter, with 2025 currently on track to be the busiest on record for A&Es and ambulance services.
To prepare, local NHS leaders have tested their bespoke winter plans as well as identifying patients most vulnerable to winter viruses and at risk of a hospital admission, so they can be given targeted care and vaccinations.
The NHS is also working closely with local authority and social care teams so more people can be discharged from hospital when demand for care peaks. In addition, half of all ambulance services also now have access to shared care records, allowing paramedics and other clinicians to access a patient’s full medical history wherever they are.
The project looking into the 15-minute blood test runs until March next year. It is one of several funded through the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) Healthcare programme to speed up the use of innovative technology.
More information is available on the SBRI Healthcare website.
Now, NHS England is funding a trial of the test on children being treated at emergency departments in Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, St Mary’s Hospital in London and Great North Children’s Hospital in Newcastle to see whether rapid tests like this can help doctors and nurses make faster decisions.
