What is a Biomarker Panel?

In biomedical science, a biomarker is the general term for a medical sign that can be observed from outside the patient in an accurate and reproducible manner. WHO defines a biomarker as ‘any substance, structure, or process that can be measured in the body or its products and influence or predict the incidence of outcome or disease.

Biomarkers provide a unique insight into personal health beyond conventional measures like weight and blood pressure. They offer a real-time view of your body, highlighting often unnoticed aspects. The key benefit is personalised health management, allowing for the identification of conditions and their subtypes. Measured over time, biomarkers can track disease progression, assess treatment effects, and offer clinicians valuable information to manage patient care more effectively.

Furthermore, biomarkers serve as early warning signals. Detecting subtle changes in these markers can indicate potential health issues before symptoms manifest. This capability acts as a preventative health tool, empowering individuals to address concerns proactively rather than reactively. Understanding biomarkers allows for early intervention strategies, potentially leading to more cost-effective health services.

Sepsis

Our Human Infection Chip is a rapid diagnostic tool designed to significantly improve sepsis detection and management and outcomes. Our science relies on the blood measurement of three key infection markers simultaneously to provide a reliable diagnostic tool to differentiate between bacterial and viral infections, facilitating prompt and appropriate treatment.

This test aims to provide rapid results in 7-10 minutes, enabling swift clinical decisions. With high sensitivity and specificity, it will accurately quantify infection biomarkers to identify sepsis. This supports timely intervention and personalised treatment, reducing economic costs by shortening hospital stays, and minimises inappropriate emergency admissions. This test will allow for quick, frequent testing to monitor sepsis treatment progression at point-of-care. Furthermore, it combats antimicrobial resistance by reducing unnecessary antibiotic use, ensuring antibiotics are only used, when necessary, through more appropriate administration of prescribed drugs.