Quicker and Lower Cost Lab Technology

There is an emerging laboratory technology that is based on nuclear magnetic resonance and nanoparticles, and this combination offers the promise of identifying almost any protein, cancer, bacteria, or virus quickly at the molecular level and at a lower cost than existing technologies. One of the first target applications is Candida, a blood-borne infection with a mortality rate of 20%.

The technology mixes a raw blood, urine, or saliva sample with magnetically-charged nanoparticles that are targeted for a bacteria or cell. Then, a cassette with the sample is placed in a portable desktop magnetic resonance instrument. Depending on the test, specific results can be available in minutes even if the target molecule is in very low concentrations.

Early studies focused on magnetic resonance technology reflect its accuracy; 400 whole blood samples were tested for Candida, an often deadly hospital-acquired infection. Results showed 95% sensitivity and 98% specificity. These correlated 98% of the time with existing blood culture and lab strain processes.

What is amazing is that this is not just another new laboratory test; it is a new direction in assisting physicians by providing a quick and accurate diagnosis. Although hospital spending growth has slowed from 5% to 3% in recent years, there still is a lot of room for improvement in controlling costs. And, with a quick and accurate diagnosis, a shorter hospital stay and lower readmissions are a real target for costs savings.