Researchers at the University of East Angila in the U.K. have tested a DNA sequencing device the size of a USB stick that may be able to detect urinary tract infections four times faster traditional bacteria culturing.
The UEA team used the small DNA sequencing device, called Nanopore MinION from Oxford Nanopore Technologies, to investigate UTIs.
"We found that this device…could detect the bacteria in heavily infected urine — and provide its DNA sequence in just 12 hours. This is a quarter of the time needed for conventional microbiology," said researcher Justin O'Grady, PhD. "Both the type of bacteria and its acquired resistance genes were identified reliably, agreeing with resistance profiles found by conventional laboratory testing."
According to Dr. O'Grady, being able to detect UTIs faster will allow physicians to refine patients' treatments, ensuring they receive the "right" antibiotic.
More articles on UTIs:
Device may cut UTI detection time from 24 hours to 70 minutes
Standard use catheter may be linked to CAUTIs: 6 things to know
Reducing CAUTIs by focusing on catheter use in the OR: 3 study findings