Di-BLOOD-UK
Diagnosis of Bloodstream Infections across the UK: Are clinical laboratories in the UK ready to implement rapid testing in the blood culture pathway?
What is this survey for?
This survey aims to investigate the current state of blood culture diagnostic practices in UK microbiology laboratories. The objective is to identify areas for potential improvement in diagnostic protocols.
Why is it needed?
In the past decade, clinical microbiology laboratories have experienced significant advancements in automation and the adoption of rapid diagnostic technologies, such as matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), as well as various molecular and phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing. These new diagnostics have shown positive impacts on antimicrobial and patient outcomes. However, there remains considerable variation in the implementation of new technologies for the diagnosis of BSI across different clinical microbiology laboratories in the UK. By identifying areas for improvement and exploring the integration of rapid diagnostic technologies, we aim to facilitate timely and accurate diagnosis of bloodstream infections, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Who can participate?
We encourage any microbiology and/or infectious diseases trainee to take part in this survey under the supervision and guidance of a Consultant Microbiologist.
HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE?
The survey is now live! Please fill out the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3VHL9PV
Who’s already participated?
Many thanks to the laboratories below who have filled in the survey so far:
We would love to hear from you
| University College London Hospital, London |
| Royal Free Hospital, London |
| St George’s Hospital, London |
| Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Trust, London |
| Croydon University Hospital, London |
| Epsom & St Helier’s University Hospitals NHS Trust, Sutton |
| Royal Oldham Hospital, Manchester |
| Manchester Foundation Trust |
| University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust |
| Southmead Hospital, North Bristol |
| Torbay Hospital, Devon |
| Royal Cornwall Hospital |
| Blackpool Victoria Hospital |
| Sheffield Teaching Hospital |
| Hull University Hospital |
| Leeds Teaching Hospital |
| Leeds General Infirmary |
| Oxford University Hospitals |
| Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh |
Are you enthusiastic about improving the blood culture pathway to enhance patient care? Are you already working towards improving bloodstream infection diagnostics and its clinical impact? We would love to create a network to join forces. Please express your interest by emailing: vanesa.antonvazquez@stgeorges.nhs.uk and/or tim.planche@nhs.net
To find out more
The study featured alongside a segment on NITCAR on the ID:IOTS podcast (episode 66 – “FIS highlights 2”). The episode can be heard here: https://tinyurl.com/4auz2ubu or on other popular podcast platforms (scroll to 25:38 to hear the NITCAR segment).