Using cobas® eplex panels to improve diagnosis of bloodstream infections

The Clinical Impact of Cobas® Eplex Blood Culture Panels for the Diagnosis of Bacteremia and Fungemia

NA · University Hospital, Antwerp · NCT06576258

This study is testing if a new blood test can help people with bloodstream infections get the right antibiotics faster than the usual method.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Antwerp (other)
Locations1 site (Edegem, Antwerp)
Trial IDNCT06576258 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the clinical impact of the cobas® eplex blood culture panels in diagnosing bloodstream infections (BSIs) compared to conventional culture methods. Patients with positive blood cultures will be divided into two groups: one receiving rapid molecular testing with cobas® eplex and the other receiving standard-of-care testing. The primary goal is to assess the difference in time to effective antibiotic treatment between the two groups. The study aims to enhance the management of BSIs by providing quicker and more accurate pathogen identification.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include hospitalized patients with a confirmed onset of bloodstream infections in emergency departments or general wards.

Not a fit: Patients who are deceased at the time of positive blood culture or those in comfort care are unlikely to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the time to effective antibiotic treatment for patients with bloodstream infections.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with rapid diagnostic tests for bloodstream infections, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with onset of BSI at the emergency department or general wards
* Patients hospitalized from blood draw (at least 24h)
* For pediatric patient only BSI episodes caused by gram-negative organisms

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients deceased at the time of the positive blood culture
* Patients in comfort care or with an estimated survival before sepsis of less than one month
* Patients with positive blood culture bottles within the past 14 days
* Patients for which the blood bottles are highly suspected of contaminants (bacterial species belonging to potential skin commensals or known environmental contaminants) and in the absence of any other site of infections.

Where this trial is running

Edegem, Antwerp

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: Bloodstream Infection, syndromic diagnostic testing, bloodstream infection, cobas eplex

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.