Technology may just have found a quicker way of detecting bacteria in wounds. Sensitive portable electrochemical sensors were used in a study conducted by the University of Strathclyde in Scotland and NHS Ayrshire & Arran. The low-cost screen-printed carbon sensors caught the infections within half an hour, significantly faster than the current laboratory testing in most hospitals.
Scientists celebrate this discove as it can open the doors for developing a device that gives real-time results. What was once an expensive and lengthy process that took up to at least 48 hours of bacterial wound infection and identification will now be over.
Clinicians from NHS Ayrshire & Arran worked together to collect dressings and swabs from diabetic patients at University Hospital Ayr. They specifically chose patients that have foot ulcers. The University of Strathclyde then proceeded to measure the samples using the new novel sensor. In no time, they found the bacterial infection revealing itself.
The success of detecting one of the most common kinds of bacteria in wounds, the Proteus mirabilis, led the team to pursue beyond the preliminary studies. These organisms are present in the human gastrointestinal tract. This is crucial as the bacteria are part of our bodies’ normal microflora but can compromise wounds or the immune system.
In July, a study stated that the rapid electrochemical detection of the pathogen was revealed after an hour. The peer-reviewed research won at the World Congress on Electrical Engineering and Computer Systems Science. It took home the Best Paper Award.
A significant threat to patient welfare is healthcare-associated infections (HAI). Early detection of wound infections can reduce the treatment period, lessen the costs, and abate the effects of the illness.
Neosporin
An antibiotic that kills bacteria on the skin, Neosporin, may no longer be as essential if scientists develop the technology. Its specific uses are for the prevention of infections from wounds, burns, scrapes, and minor cuts. The creation of a medical device that uses bacterial sensors may quickly determine antibiotics that are specific to the type of wound rather than a general use ointment.
Bacteria Spotting Tech
Researchers are enthusiastic about this bacteria spotting tech. They see the potential of incorporating it in the creation of a medical device that’s inexpensive and provides results in a shorter period. This will bring about faster identification and treatment.
The process involves an electrochemical technique that measures the electrical impedance of a swab sample over many other signal frequencies. It then creates spectra by measuring the flow of the current that goes through the bacterial layer. This gives valuable data on the microbiological content of the sample.
They expect that monitoring devices for point-of-care infections would have further development from this discovery. Health professionals can now have machines that can help them with early intervention and better prognosis.
Diabetes foot ulcers are common, and this type of device will lead to fewer limb amputations. Early detection of infections means treatment may lessen the chances of amputations, if given right away. They see foreseeable prevention of three out of four limb amputations due to diabetes.
The study also presented the possibilities of impacting individual foot ulcer patients as it reduces the current lifetime risk of about 15 to 25%. In addition, it will also preserve the precious resources of the NHS.
Also in collaborative work with the University of Strathclyde in Scotland and NHS Ayrshire & Arran is Ohmedics Ltd. It is a spin-out company of the University of Strathclyde and is looking to commercialize the bacteria spotting tech under a license.
For other news, read more here at Owner’s Mag!
