Siemens launches new sepsis-identifying assay

Siemens has introduced a new assay product which is designed to assist in the diagnosis and early treatment of sepsis.

The Brahms assay functions by detecting serum levels of the protein procalcitonin (PCT), a key indicator of the onset of sepsis, a life-threatening systemic response to infection.

Siemens states that the product has already been successfully put into use by a number of medical facilities, such as Chicago’s Swedish Covenant Hospital, where it has helped to reduce unnecessary antibiotic usage.

It suggests this is better for patient health, as it eliminates side-effects of antibiotic treatment such as nausea, while it also results in cost-saving for the hospital.

Dr Eric Gluck, director of critical care services at Swedish Covenant Hospital, said: “PCT gives you more confidence in your decision-making about when to start antibiotics, when antibiotics are not working and when to stop antibiotics.”

Last month, the company launched a new version of its Advia CentraLink Data Management System, designed to allow laboratories to review their data more easily.