Rapid Diagnostic System to Detect Neonatal Sepsis Within Hours

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 12 Feb 2025

Image: The rapid diagnostic to detect neonatal sepsis can provide results within hours versus days (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Neonatal sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by bloodstream infections in newborns under 28 days old. Due to their underdeveloped immune systems, newborns are particularly vulnerable to infections. Each year, an estimated 2.5 million neonates or infants under one month of age die from sepsis, with the greatest impact in low- and middle-income countries. Since neonatal sepsis can progress quickly, it requires immediate intervention with IV fluids and antibiotics. For every hour treatment is delayed, the risk of death from neonatal sepsis increases by 7.6%. Researchers are now advancing a robust, cost-effective device that detects neonatal sepsis by utilizing advanced digital imaging and signal processing, delivering results within hours instead of days.

AstraDx (Beverly, MA, USA) is developing a technology that aims to detect pathogens, identify the specific pathogen, and perform phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) directly from whole blood, producing results in just four hours. The company has been awarded a USD 3 million grant by the Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator (CARB-X, Boston, MA, USA) to demonstrate the feasibility of its device for detecting neonatal sepsis. AstraDx’s innovative approach, which uses small blood samples and leverages advanced digital imaging and signal processing to identify pathogens and antimicrobial resistance in hours instead of days, could mark a significant advancement in neonatal sepsis diagnostics. This technology could revolutionize clinical decision-making, enabling rapid, targeted treatment for critically ill patients and contributing to the global fight against antimicrobial resistance.

“Our system for diagnosing bloodstream infections for even the worst pathogens is designed to be easy to use and affordable for populations worldwide, including underserved populations,” said Fran White, CEO of AstraDx. “We are committed to meeting the challenge of emerging, highly antibiotic-resistant superbugs. Rapid ID and AST specifically for neonates, addresses the need for better life-saving treatment for this especially vulnerable population.”

Related Links:
AstraDx
CARB-X