Chris Whitehouse, a political consultant and expert on medical technology policy and regulation at Whitehouse Communications, and advisor to MedTech suppliers, highlights innovation in blood testing that could cut diagnosis delays and save lives.
The NHS is trialling a rapid 15-minute blood test this winter that can quickly distinguish bacterial from viral infections in children, aiming to speed diagnosis of potentially life-threatening conditions such as sepsis and meningitis. The pilot, funded by NHS England and running until March, will take place at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, St Mary’s Hospital in London and Great North Children’s Hospital in Newcastle as the health service prepares for a predicted busy winter.
What the test does and why it matters
The MeMed BV test produces results in around 15 minutes, providing clinicians with near-immediate information on whether an infection is bacterial or viral. Current standard practice relies on laboratory blood tests that can take several hours, during which time clinicians must decide whether to start antibiotics or wait for confirmation. Faster differentiation aims to ensure children with serious infections are treated promptly while reducing unnecessary antibiotic use for viral illnesses, conserving resources and helping combat antimicrobial resistance.
Details of the trial and partners
The study is led by the University of Liverpool and Health Innovation North West Coast, with funding through NHS England’s Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) Healthcare programme, which supports rapid adoption of new technologies in healthcare. The pilot will evaluate whether rapid testing in emergency departments helps clinicians make faster, more accurate decisions and whether it reduces inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions.
Early clinical experiences
Clinicians involved in the pilot report promising early outcomes, including faster treatment for a child with meningococcal meningitis and immediate antibiotic initiation for a child with sepsis following rapid test results. Frontline staff say the speed of the test has already made a “vital difference” in emergency care decision-making.
Professor Simon Kenny, National Clinical Director for Children and Young People at NHS England, emphasised the importance of rapid diagnosis for children with potentially life-threatening illness and praised the trial’s timing during the winter peak. Health minister Ashley Dalton described the trial as potentially transformative for reassurance to parents and for clinicians working under pressure.
Clinical and operational benefits
Proponents of the test highlight three core benefits: faster, targeted treatment for seriously ill children; reduction in unnecessary antibiotic use; and quicker patient flow through busy emergency departments at peak times. Faster decision-making is expected to free up staff time and laboratory capacity, allowing hospitals to treat more patients during seasonal surges.
Expert perspectives
Professor Enitan Carrol, leading the project, said the study aims to determine whether the test will help clinicians distinguish minor viral illnesses from serious bacterial infections more reliably, reduce unnecessary antibiotics and improve patient outcomes. Consultant clinicians at participating hospitals expressed hope that successful results would support rolling the technology into standard practice across the NHS.
Next steps and evaluation
The pilot will run through to March next year, after which results will be analysed to assess clinical impact, antibiotic prescribing patterns and operational benefits. If outcomes demonstrate clear advantages, NHS England plans to consider wider rollout of similar rapid diagnostics to improve paediatric emergency care.
The trial sits alongside other SBRI-funded innovations designed to accelerate adoption of technologies that can relieve pressure on services and improve patient care during the busiest months of the year. More information is available on the SBRI Healthcare website.
The Author used AI in preparing this article. Comments upon or questions about this article can be addressed to chris.whitehouse@whitehousecomms.com.
