Sepsis diagnosis and monitoring: Frontiers in innovative technology

Abstract

One of the most common hospital-associated infections, especially in the ICU, is sepsis, and its early detection is a significant issue that health care systems must contend with. Effective treatment of sepsis requires early diagnosis and rapid therapeutic intervention. The early detection of this life-threatening condition is significantly improved not only by identifying drug-resistant pathogens but also by detecting unique immune response biomarkers that arise upon pathogen invasion, thus creating a critical early warning system. The methodology involves advanced molecular diagnostic tools, such as real-time PCR, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and novel biomarker detection platforms. These methods enable faster identification of pathogens and biomarkers, enhancing the accuracy and speed of sepsis diagnosis. We also discuss the integration of these technologies with clinical workflows, considering their impact on patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency. In this paper, we review novel and rapid sepsis diagnostic techniques compared to traditional methods, emphasizing the significance and efficiency of the emerging technologies. An extensive review of the literature was conducted through databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar with keywords such as “sepsis” and “diagnostic strategies” to identify the most suitable articles for this review. Effective management of sepsis, a complex and deadly disease, relies on knowledge and application of rapid diagnostic techniques, such as new analytic tools, for successful treatment and improved patient outcomes. Advanced molecular diagnosis and clinical trials are maximizing therapeutic control with biomarker tracking (sTREM-1, IL-6, PCT) and improving diagnostic accuracy. Introducing new technologies in molecular diagnosis, analysis, and clinical management is crucial to improve septic shock patient outcomes. Our review highlights that while traditional methods such as blood culture remain essential, they are limited by long turnaround times and reduced sensitivity. Rapid molecular assays (PCR, MALDI-TOF) and biosensor-based point-of-care platforms provide results within hours, enabling earlier targeted treatment. Among biomarkers, procalcitonin remains the most established, but newer candidates such as presepsin, CXCL5, and circRNAs show promising diagnostic and prognostic potential. Integrating these innovative technologies into clinical workflows can enhance early detection, support antimicrobial stewardship, and ultimately improve patient survival.