Test and Treat has launched a novel point-of-care (POC) technology that identifies bacterial infection and a quantitative antibiotic susceptibility profile in less than two hours.
The first application is urinary tract infection (UTI). Using this phenotypic technology, physicians/veterinary surgeons can prescribe treatment in line with best practice, without having to rely on empirical prescribing and/or wait several days for external laboratory culture and sensitivity. U-Treat provides a valuable tool for fast, reliable, POC treatment outcome.
Launched globally in late 2020, U-Treat is already used by veterinary practices in the USA and UK. Using the principals of ATP bioluminescence, U-Treat can detect (directly) the presence of bacteria within 30 minutes (Test 1), and determine quantitative antibiotic susceptibility in an additional 60 minutes (Test 2). The tests are run sequentially. Results give clinicians clear guidance about whether or not antibiotic treatment is required, and, if it is, the most effective antibiotic to prescribe, based on determination of ‘% kill rate per antibiotic’.
Test and Treat is fast moving towards CE/CA marking for UK and European regulatory compliance, is also working towards US FDA regulatory approval, and is now actively seeking licensing/acquisition partners in veterinary and human diagnostics to fast-track the technology into markets worldwide.
U-Treat demonstrates high levels of sensitivity (97.1%) and specificity (92%), compared to laboratory reported test results (UTI detection). The test provides confidence in diagnosis and treatment outcome, while observing responsible use of antibiotics. Pet owners and physicians in the human sector can be reassured that treatment is based on quantitative antibiotic susceptibility/resistance.
The test is currently validated for use in companion animals and is being investigated for application for mastitis in cattle and sheep, bacterial infection in equine synovial fluid, interstitial and pleural fluid, bacterial ear infections and for UTI, bacterial throat infection, synovial fluid and bacterial meningitis in human healthcare.
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