Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by dysregulated host response to infection (mainly bacteria or fungi). Septic shock – a subset of sepsis – is associated with circulatory and cellular/metabolic dysfunction and associated with a higher risk of mortality (Sepsis 3 definition, 2016). 550,000 patients in Europe and around 980,000 patients in the US suffer sepsis each year, almost 470,000 of them die (mortality rate ~ 30%). Patient groups most affected are newborn and elderly patients. The cost of treating sepsis is enormous: in 2008, USD 14.6 billion was spent in the US alone (with an average growth rate of 11.9%).

In addition to the early stratification of septic patients (from non-septic patients), early, proactive therapy management is crucial. An international panel of sepsis experts recommends daily assessment for de-escalation of (antimicrobial) therapy in patients with sepsis. Furthermore, they suggest breaking with common practices to diagnose organ dysfunction. Currently such assessment is done by evaluating physical parameters, biochemical values and single biomarkers (e.g. CRP, PCT, creatinine). Testing a full set of biomarkers would take too long (> 3 hours), requires several mL of blood and is expensive.

Celeras Dx has developed a quantitative point of care biomarker test and technology which provides the values for 9 inflammation, organ and coagulation markers in only 12 minutes (< 200 biomarkers possible!). The low sample volume (100µL) and easy handling favors application with neonates or the elderly. The test and technology aim to support clinicians with their therapeutic decisions when treating severely infected patients.