Therapy
Laboratory research is not therapy, but it does play an important role in therapy choices. Sixty to seventy percent of medical decisions, such as the choice of therapy, are based on the results of laboratory tests using in vitro diagnostics. Specific tests in blood, urine or other bodily fluids can then be used to determine whether the chosen therapy is effective or needs to be adjusted.
Below are examples of the added value of laboratory testing for therapy:
Cardiovascular
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Blood Gas Analysis
The Importance of Hemolysis Detection
Hemolysis, the breakdown of red blood cells, accounts for approximately 70% of all pre-analytical errors and has a significant impact on blood gas analysis results. Potassium (K⁺) measurements are particularly susceptible because large amounts of intracellular potassium are released when red blood cells break down. This can result in falsely elevated potassium values, potentially leading to inappropriate or delayed treatment.
To prevent this, in-line hemolysis detection is performed. This technology measures the concentration of free hemoglobin in whole blood and, within 45 seconds, indicates whether hemolysis is present and, if so, to what extent. When the hemolysis threshold is exceeded, the potassium result is flagged as unreliable or suppressed.
Timely and accurate hemolysis detection supports rapid and informed clinical decision-making in acute care settings. This helps ensure accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, improved patient outcomes, and more efficient, cost-effective healthcare.
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Hemostasis
Rapid Fibrinogen Test
The gold standard for measuring fibrinogen is the von Clauss clotting assay. However, this laboratory test is time-consuming and complex. A point-of-care (POC) test offers a rapid and accurate alternative.
A few drops of blood are mixed with reagents in a disposable test cartridge, converting fibrinogen in the blood sample into fibrin. The amount of fibrin (clot) formed is then measured using optical detection. The result of this rapid fibrinogen test is available within minutes, enabling timely and accurate identification of unwanted or unexpected bleeding. This facilitates faster initiation of appropriate therapy while minimizing the risk of under- or overtreatment. Ultimately, this contributes to a lower incidence of bleeding-related complications and, consequently, reduced healthcare costs.
Infections
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Gastrointestinal tract
All-in-one test
The all-in-one stool test is based on multiplex PCR technology in a fully automated system. The polymerase chain reaction multiplies the DNA sequences of different microorganisms within a single run. This makes it possible to simultaneously detect the most common microbial causative agents of gastrointestinal infections. After just a few hours, the diagnosis can be made and the appropriate treatment can be started or the necessary isolation measures can be taken to prevent spread.
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Malaria
PCR rapid test
Syndromic diagnostics is based on PCR technology in a point-of-care system. The blood sample is placed in a cartridge that is placed in the analyzer, after which Plasmodium DNA is analyzed using PCR technology. In one run, the variants P. vivax, P. malaria, P. falciparum, P. knowlesi and P. ovale are detected simultaneously. In less than an hour it is clear whether there is a Plasmodium infection and only in the positive samples it needs to be determined which variant it is. As a result, targeted treatment with the right antimalarial drug and the right dose can be started immediately.
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Respiratory infections
Multiplex PCR rapid test
Multiplex PCR technology forms the basis for syndromic diagnostics. The test is performed in a point-of-care system where diagnostics occur directly on-site, eliminating time lost to sample transport and result feedback. The throat-nasal mucus sample is placed in a cartridge inserted into the analyzer. The polymerase chain reaction multiplies several different DNA sequences of potential pathogens within one run. For respiratory infections, this involves simultaneous detection of 23 viruses and bacteria in total. This all-in-one rapid test provides immediate identification of the respiratory infection type and its causative agent. Diagnosis can be made and appropriate treatment started after just one hour.
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Sepsis
Multiplex PCR rapid test
Multiplex PCR technology forms the basis for rapidly testing for sepsis. The sample is placed in a cartridge inserted into the analyzer. The polymerase chain reaction multiplies several different DNA sequences of potential pathogens within one run. The test enables rapid identification of pathogen(s) including polymicrobial infections and resistance mechanisms. Especially in clinically urgent situations, like sepsis, a rapid test can be lifesaving. Based on test results, targeted treatment can begin immediately.
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Urinary tract infection
Rapid test for urinary tract infection including antibiotic sensitivity
The rapid test integrates lab-on-a-chip technology, phase contrast microscopy, and an image processing algorithm into a point-of-care analyzer. This allows primary care physicians to diagnose bacterial urinary tract infection within fifteen minutes and prescribe targeted antibiotics within thirty minutes.
The lab-on-a-chip technology enables miniaturization of microbiological laboratory testing (urine culture and antimicrobial sensitivity tests). The chip consists of thousands of nanochannels through which the urine sample is flushed directly, without preprocessing. Large cellular components are filtered and the passed bacterial cells collect in the nanochannels, where they're exposed to different types and amounts of antibiotics. Resistant bacteria continue growing, while sensitive bacteria grow poorly or not at all. Cell growth is monitored in real-time using phase contrast microscopy and images are analyzed with a smart algorithm. The analysis results in an antibiogram after thirty minutes, allowing the physician to prescribe targeted antibiotics. Treatment of the urinary tract infection can begin immediately.
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Virus or bacteria
Immune response test
Instead of directly detecting the virus or bacteria, this test focuses on detecting the immune response to the infection. The immune response leads to production of specific proteins released into the blood. The pattern of three specific proteins (TRAIL, IP 10, and CRP) differs between viral and bacterial infections and thus forms a biomarker to differentiate between bacterial and viral infections. The test is performed in a fully automated analyzer. Based on results, physicians can immediately determine whether to treat with antiviral medication or antibiotics. This test helps prevent unnecessary and redundant antibiotic use.
