Global Issues

Microbiological testing, the detection of infection or contamination, represents a major aspect of the services provided by hospital laboratories. In clinical testing of blood, tests are carried out to detect life threatening diseases, in particular septicaemia which is an escalating clinical challenge.

Recent studies have revealed a significantly increasing rate of cases in people with compromised immune systems which is common in those undergoing chemotherapy, those receiving drugs to prevent transplant rejection, AIDS patients, the elderly, diabetics and premature babies.

In the US the incidence of septicaemia has increased by over 300% in the last 20 years and is now the 10th leading cause of death accounting for over 40% of intensive care expenditure. Speedy diagnosis and isolation of the microorganism responsible is paramount followed by prompt treatment to control the infection.

A combination of problems exists. The rising incidence of immune compromised patients leads to increased Septicaemia. In turn, this creates a rapidly increasing hazard for those treating the illness.

While microbiology has undergone phenomenal developments over the past 20 years, there has been limited automation of the testing process with only a very small number of semi automated, high cost instruments available for use in the initial screening of blood samples for infections.


Septicaemia is a common illness across the world. It is not limited to those with highly developed infrastructure and resources.

Many people die simply because they cannot get to diagnosis and treatment in time. Centralised laboratories fail these people on a global scale.

The rapid and devastating rise in HIV / AIDS has created a huge strain on heathcare structures across the globe. Countries least able to bear the brunt are those most affected.

Many Doctors are infected and perish through contact with contaminated blood samples and the lack of suitable safety barriers, seriously undermining healthcare development.
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