Rapid molecular diagnosis of sepsis in ICU patients

Rapid Molecular Detection of Sepsis in Whole Blood

Maastricht University Medical Center · NCT06624618

This study is testing a new way to quickly identify the germs causing sepsis in ICU patients to help doctors give the right treatment faster and improve survival rates.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMaastricht University Medical Center (other)
Locations1 site (Maastricht, Limburg)
Trial IDNCT06624618 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study focuses on the urgent need for rapid diagnosis of sepsis, which is critical for effective treatment and improving survival rates. Currently, traditional blood cultures take several days to yield results, leading to the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics that may not be necessary. The investigators aim to develop and validate a novel molecular diagnostic approach that detects pathogen DNA directly from whole blood, providing quicker and more accurate identification of the causative agents of sepsis. This could significantly enhance treatment strategies and reduce mortality associated with sepsis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients in the intensive care unit who have routine blood cultures ordered for suspected bloodstream infections.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have suspected bloodstream infections or those who are not in the intensive care unit may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to faster and more accurate treatment of sepsis, potentially saving lives and reducing the development of antibiotic resistance.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been advancements in molecular diagnostics, this specific approach for rapid sepsis diagnosis is novel and has not been widely tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

-Patients are included when routine blood cultures are ordered for diagnosis of bloodstream infections.

Exclusion Criteria:

-N/A

Where this trial is running

Maastricht, Limburg

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Sepsis, Bloodstream Infection, Culture-free, Whole blood, Molecular diagnosis, Bloodstream infection, Bacterial DNA

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.