REVOM: Real-time sample volume measurement for blood cultures

Purpose and goal:

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that affects over 70,000 patients in Sweden every year. Effective antimicrobial treatment early in the course of the disease is linked to lower mortality. Antibiotic treatment must be based on microbiological diagnostics and blood cultures are the standard method for detecting microorganisms that cause sepsis.

There are two major problems with current blood culture practices. The aim of this project is to develop a solution for collecting the correct volume and avoiding contamination during sampling. Expected results and effects:

Sufficient blood volume without contaminants is the most important factor for detecting microorganisms in blood cultures, but there are currently no methods or instruments to standardise sampling. Our solution will change this. Improved detection of microorganisms will result in optimal treatment of patients and increased chances of survival from one of the most common and deadly infectious diseases, sepsis.

Establishing the method in clinical routine will revolutionise sepsis testing internationally and contribute to the Swedish economy. Approach and implementation:

We are currently at step 6 on the TRL scale. In end-user testing, our product has proven to work effectively in the current work environment. The focus is now on optimizing the product for mass production and conducting clinical trials to demonstrate its safety and efficacy. To develop a production prototype, we have initiated discussions with experienced engineering companies. Clinical studies can be conducted through our network.