An experimental microelectrode device developed in the United Kingdom can test for sepsis in 2.5 minutes or less. Severe sepsis might take up to 72 hours to diagnose. Overreaction of the body’s immune system to injuries or infections can now be detected earlier, resulting in a lower mortality toll. If detected early enough, sepsis, a condition in which the body attacks its own tissues and organs, can be successfully treated with antibiotics. Sepsis kills an estimated 6 million people worldwide each year, with 52,000 of those fatalities occurring in the United Kingdom. It is difficult to diagnose sepsis since its symptoms are similar to those of respiratory infections, flu, and gastroenteritis.
According to the UK Sepsis Trust, signs of sepsis include discoloured or mottled skin, feeling like one is about to die, acute dyspnea, no urinating in a day, extreme muscle pain or a tingling sensation, confusion or a slurred speech. Sepsis can be diagnosed after 12 to 72 hours of closely monitoring vital signs such as respiration, temperature, and pulse, as well as blood tests. To diagnose sepsis, IL-6 levels in the blood are tested using a novel instrument that costs less than $22. People can prevent post-sepsis symptoms like PTSD, kidney failure, and limb loss, according to Damion Corrigan. In order to prove that the new device is entirely functional and beneficial, more research and clinical trials are required.
According to Professor Mervyn Singer, IL-6 is a biomarker for any inflammatory illness, not just sepsis. He emphasises that sepsis lacks a regular pattern, hence there is no definitive test to identify it. It’s just a catch-all term for a variety of different illnesses. As Lynn McPherson stated, the new device is capable of 8 sensors, which means more sensors will be added. According to Dr. Ron Daniels, this revolutionary microelectrode device will prevent at least 14,000 fatalities annually in the United Kingdom.
