The T2Bacteria Panel accurately identified bloodstream infections caused by five common bacteria more quickly than did blood cultures, according to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

“Early institution of appropriate antimicrobial therapy is a crucial determinant of improved outcomes in patients with bloodstream infections, particularly those causing sepsis,” M. Hong Nguyen, MD, of the department of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, and colleagues wrote. “Blood cultures are the gold standard for diagnosing bloodstream infections but are limited by prolonged time to results and sensitivities ranging from 10% or less to about 50%. The development of nonculture diagnostic tests for bloodstream infections that are rapid and accurate is therefore a top priority. The T2Bacteria Panel is the first direct-from-blood, nonculture test cleared by the FDA for diagnosis of bloodstream infections caused by multiple bacteria.”