Respiratory infectious diseases
Delivering rapid genetic testing to people with infectious respiratory conditions.
What are we trying to do?
We are leading a new Network of Excellence which will expand the expansion of rapid genetic testing for respiratory infections into up to 10 intensive care units across the country.
Why is this important?
The test, known as metagenomics, enables scientists to identify and sequence the genetic data from all bacterial, viral and fungal micro-organisms which might be causing the infection, with results back within seven hours. Unlike other tests, metagenomic testing will pick up everything that is present, not just what you are looking for, or what you think may be causing the infection.
Traditionally, it would take microbiologists around three days to get a result, meaning that patients can now be given the right medication and treatment on the same day.
Progress & next steps
This two year pilot is an expansion of a pilot that has already been successfully undertaken by Guys and St. Thomas’ Hospital. The study has trialled new technology which enables fast track genetic testing for patients with suspected respiratory infectious diseases, enabling people to get faster and more accurate treatment.
The programme has received a £2.08 million investment from the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology alongside £1.3 million from NHS England for the first two years.
The aim is that patients can benefit from the test by winter 2024
Who are we working with?
- Central & South Genomic Medicine Service
- Guys and St. Thomas’ Hospital
