ISABIAL Evaluates a New Technology Aimed at Reducing the Diagnosis Time of Multidrug‑Resistant Bacteria to Just a Few Hours
The Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research is studying a new technology that delivers test results in just 2 to 3 hours
The center is comparing standard methods with the new technology in order to achieve greater accuracy in treatment and improve the quality of care
Alicante (03.01.23). The Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL) is carrying out a research project aimed at evaluating a new technology designed to shorten the diagnosis time of multidrug‑resistant bacteria. The study is led by Juan Carlos Rodríguez Díaz, Head of Microbiology at the Dr. Balmis General Hospital, associate professor at Miguel Hernández University, and ISABIAL’s Deputy Scientific Director for Platforms. The project is testing a new system in the Microbiology Department that can deliver diagnoses of this type of bacteria in just 2 to 3 hours, compared to the usual 24 to 48 hours after a patient is admitted to the hospital.
The research project consists of comparing the new QuickMIC technology, provided by the company Gradientech, with the standard methods used in Microbiology to diagnose this type of bacteria, with the aim of determining whether the results are comparable and the response time can be shortened. The company is testing the device in several countries, and in Spain it is being evaluated through ISABIAL.
Researcher Juan Carlos Rodríguez Díaz explains that “if we manage to shorten the diagnosis time, we can propose a treatment that is more beneficial for the patient, since at present, during the first hours after admission, patients receive an empirical treatment until the results of the Microbiology study are available”.
ISABIAL’s Deputy Scientific Director for Platforms, Juan Carlos Rodríguez, explains that “if we manage to shorten the diagnosis time with this project, its application in clinical practice could be implemented very quickly, which would improve the patient’s condition, allowing for faster recovery and reducing the risk of transmitting the bacteria within the community”. He also adds that “this project also aims to reduce costs and hospital stays, thereby improving the quality of care”.
The analysis of the new system is being carried out over a three‑month period. During this time, samples from the same patients are examined in parallel using both the new method and the traditional one, which will later allow the results to be compared and determine whether the advancement is reliable and can be recommended for clinical practice.
Researcher Juan Carlos Rodríguez highlights the importance of advancing research in this field, noting that “bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to medications, making it more difficult to identify an effective treatment.” In this regard, Rodríguez points out that “21st‑century Microbiology is moving toward providing faster and more precise diagnoses to promote a more rational use of antibiotics”.
