LabMedica

Download Mobile App
Recent News Expo Clinical Chem. Molecular Diagnostics Hematology Immunology Microbiology Pathology Technology Industry Focus

Graphene-Based Biosensors Could Detect Sepsis Earlier in Critically Ill Patients

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 09 Jun 2023
Image: Gii-Sens is the world`s first 3D Graphene foam electrode for biosensing (Photo courtesy of Integrated Graphene)
Image: Gii-Sens is the world`s first 3D Graphene foam electrode for biosensing (Photo courtesy of Integrated Graphene)

Lactate serves as a vital biomarker in managing hospitalized patients who are critically ill. A common complication in intensive care units, hyperlactatemia, can occur either due to insufficient oxygen supply to tissues or underlying conditions such as advanced liver disease. If left untreated, hyperlactatemia can escalate into lactate acidosis, a severe condition that can be life-threatening. Reliable real-time lactate detection, whether via single-point or continuous monitoring, has the potential to enhance patient outcomes in critical care and speed up the diagnosis of sepsis in critically ill individuals. Now, a new study has highlighted the significant potential of graphene-based biosensors for detecting elevated lactate levels.

The study by researchers at the University of Bath (Bath, UK) showed that using Integrated Graphene’s (Stirling, UK) Gii-Sens electrochemical sensor can enhance the diagnostic accuracy of hyperlactatemia. The Gii-Sens, a diagnostic biosensing electrode, outperforms conventional sensing materials by a factor of 10-100, enabling rapid, laboratory-quality testing at the point of need in a cost-effective manner. Gii-Sens electrochemical electrodes, produced using Integrated Graphene’s novel 3D graphene Gii, are disposable sensors designed for one-step assays without the need for pre-treatments.

“Lactate is a naturally occurring biomarker which everyone produces as a byproduct of exercising. For most people it is easily processed by the body and will cause no major harm, apart from a little cramp if you overexert yourself,” said Dr. Marco Caffio, Integrated Graphene’s Co-Founder and CSO. “However, for some critically ill patients and those with underlying conditions it can be a sign of a range of other issues, some of which, like sepsis, can be fatal. Having a robust way of monitoring lactate levels is important in ensuring the best possible outcomes for these patients. The findings of this study demonstrate Gii’s reliable performance and potential to save lives.”

Related Links:
University of Bath 
Integrated Graphene 

Platinum Member
Automated Coagulation Analyzer
Hemolumi H6
Gold Member
Electrolyte Analyzer
CBS-4000 (CBS-400)
Gold Member
Blood-Based Protein Biomarker Solution for Alzheimer's Disease
BG-DTi2000.
Thyroid Test
Anti-Thyroid EIA Test

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: WashU Medicine researchers found that dozens of blood proteins shift during Alzheimer’s treatment and may help monitor the effects of the medication. (Image Credit: Matt Miller/WashU Medicine)

Blood Biomarker Patterns Could Support Monitoring of Anti-Amyloid Treatment

Patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease may receive anti-amyloid therapy to clear amyloid protein deposits from the brain. These treatments can slow disease progression, but they do not cure the... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: University of Florida scientists Hugh Fan, Ph.D., and John Lednicky, Ph.D., led the development of a cost-effective, accurate handheld device capable of simultaneously testing for seven different mosquito-borne viruses. (Image Credit: UF Health photo by Hannah Clark)

Portable Test Differentiates Seven Mosquito-Borne Viruses at Point of Care

Mosquito-borne viral illnesses can present with overlapping symptoms such as fever, joint pain, fatigue, and rash, making them difficult to distinguish without laboratory testing. In these settings, clinicians... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: Aptiva utilizes particle-based multi-analyte technology (PMAT) (Photo courtesy of Werfen)

Werfen Expands Automated APS Testing with FDA-Cleared and CE-Marked IgA Reagent

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder associated with thrombosis and pregnancy complications, but its symptoms can overlap with those of other conditions, complicating diagnosis.... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: Each PhAST instrument supports random-access processing of up to four samples simultaneously, delivering a throughput of up to 12 samples per eight-hour shift. (Photo courtesy of PhAST)

FDA Clears Rapid Phenotypic Antimicrobial Susceptibility System for Positive Blood Cultures

Bloodstream infections require prompt treatment, but antimicrobial susceptibility results often lag behind a positive blood culture. Conventional testing can take another 24 to 48 hours after a culture... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image

Collaboration Combines AI Cognitive Assessment and RNA Blood Testing for Earlier Alzheimer’s Detection

Alzheimer’s disease is often identified only after substantial neurodegeneration, partly because current diagnostic pathways are fragmented and difficult to scale. As treatment shifts toward earlier intervention,... Read more