Determining the Usefulness of Selected Laboratory Markers of Inflammation in Qualifying Patients for T2 Biosystems Determination

Abstract

Background

Improving treatment outcomes sepsis requires early recognition, the implementation of appropriate treatment, and targeted antimicrobial therapy. Nowadays, microbiological diagnostic methods are available to accelerate microbiological diagnosis, thereby reducing the time needed to implement targeted antibiotic therapy. One method for rapid diagnosis is the amplified magnetic resonance imaging—T2 Biosystems, USA (T2Dx). This method enables the identification of pathogens directly from a blood sample (approximately 4 mL) within about 3.5 h. The use of the “T2 Resistance” panel additionally allows for the detection of the most common bacterial resistance mechanisms in about 4–5 h. The disadvantage of the T2Dx method is the limited number of microorganisms it can detect. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using selected inflammatory parameters to accurately qualify patients (positive result) for T2Dx testing.

Methods

We have made a retrospective evaluation of selected inflammatory parameters in order to determine which parameters are the best indicators for good qualification of patients.

Results and Conclusion

A single analysis of parameters such as C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cells (WBC), #neutr, #lymph, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is not a good indicator that could be used as an additional tool facilitating patient qualification for T2Dx testing. The most sensitive parameter distinguishing between patients with a positive T2Dx result and those with a negative result is the measurement of IL-6 and PCT. Proper patient qualification for T2Dx testing can significantly contribute to reducing the time to initiate targeted antibiotic therapy and may impact reducing mortality and improving long-term treatment outcomes.