The S-Lite project aims to create a rapid diagnostic tool that will help detect sepsis early, saving lives. Using a widely available point-of-care (PoC) platform, we are developing innovative test kits designed for use in settings like hospitals and clinics.
Sepsis is a serious condition that causes nearly 20% of deaths worldwide. It happens when the body's immune system overreacts to an infection, leading to organ damage and high mortality rates. Every hour that antibiotics are delayed after a patient arrives at the emergency department or when organ failure starts can increase the risk of death by 3-7%. This is why catching sepsis early is so important. However, symptoms can be mild at first, which often delays medical intervention until the condition rapidly worsens. Once sepsis progresses, it becomes much harder to treat, and organs start to fail, making swift action critical to prevent severe outcomes.
To detect sepsis early, we need to identify specific markers in the body, but current methods are slow and rely on lab tests that take time. Many cases happen in emergency settings where fast diagnostics aren't always available. That's where our PoC diagnostic tool comes in. By providing quick and accurate test results right at the point of care, we can detect sepsis faster, reduce complications, and save lives. Additionally, our diagnostic tool will help doctors figure out if an infection is bacterial or not, which is key to avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use and fighting antibiotic resistance.
The S-Lite project will develop and bring to the market a rapid diagnostic tool for the early detection of sepsis.
Employing a widely available PoC diagnostic platform, we will develop novel test kits tailored for use
in the PoC setting.
Sepsis-related deaths account for almost 20% of all global deaths. This life-threatening condition is triggered by the
body's extreme immune response to some infections, leading to organ damage and high mortality rates. Every hour of
delay in antibiotics treatment after emergency department (ED) triage or the onset of organ dysfunction or shock may
increase the probability of patient death by 3-7%. Therefore, early detection is crucial for successful treatment. Initial
symptoms may seem mild, and thus medical intervention may be delayed until the condition rapidly escalates. Once
sepsis progresses, organ failure becomes difficult to manage, emphasizing the critical need for swift intervention to
prevent severe outcomes.
Identifying specific biomarkers is essential for early detection and management of sepsis. However, various challenges,
such as limited laboratory capacity and prolonged assay turnaround times, hinders their effectiveness. Sepsis cases
often occur in ED settings with limited access to diagnostic aids. Access to rapid and reliable diagnostic tools at the
PoC can expedite sepsis detection, reducing associated morbidity and mortality. Additionally, such tools can assist
healthcare providers in distinguishing between bacterial and non-bacterial infections, thereby avoiding unnecessary
antibiotic use (antibiotic stewardship).