Aug 8, 2023
This week we will discuss a new rapid response test for Sepsis with one of the developers, Richard Brandon.
Sepsis describes a syndrome that occurs when severe infection results in critical illness and affects 750,000 Americans annually. Sepsis occurs when a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection causes a significant response from the body’s immune system, causing a high heart rate, fever, or fast breathing. Severe sepsis develops when the infection causes organ damage. Septic shock is the most severe form in which the infection causes low blood pressure, resulting in damage to multiple organs. About three in every 10 patients with severe sepsis, and half of those with septic shock, die in the hospital.
Consider asking the following questions:
“Does my loved one have sepsis or septic shock?”
“Do we know what organism is causing the infection in my loved one?”
“Do we know where the infection came from?”
“How well are my loved one’s organs working?”
Antibiotics and intravenous (IV) fluids are two
of the most important treatments for sepsis. Studies have shown
that delays in receiving the right antibiotics can double the risk
of death. Patients are usually started on antibiotics that treat
many different types of bacteria—“broad-spectrum antibiotics”—until
test results are available to help physicians select antibiotics
that treat the specific bacteria causing the
illness—“narrowing antibiotics”. These tests are often referred to
as “cultures”, where bodily fluids such as blood, urine, and
phlegm, are sent to the laboratory to identify disease-causing
bacteria. Preliminary results from cultures may be available within
24 to 48 hours; final results from these tests often take several
days. (credits: ATS)
Time is critical as you can see! With Richard Brandon's new test, the results are rapid!!
Richard Brandon
Chief Scientific Officer – BVSc (Hons), PhD, MBA
35 years’ experience – veterinary immunologist, molecular biologist, pathologist, animal and human healthcare R&D executive: Cornell, Sloan Kettering Cancer Research, University of Queensland, various private pathology laboratories, Genetrax, Plasvacc, BioNiche. A listed inventor on most Immunexpress patents; architect of IP strategy.