Sepsis screen + MDR PCR Assay

What is a Sepsis Screen Panel Test? 

A sepsis screen panel test is a comprehensive molecular diagnostic test that uses advanced PCR technology to detect 30 disease-causing microorganisms in your blood. This test simultaneously complements a blood culture test and identifies bacteria, fungi, and drug resistance genes that may be causing severe infection in your body. 

The test helps doctors quickly diagnose sepsis, a life-threatening condition where your body's response to infection causes widespread inflammation and organ disorders, like liver dysfunction. 

What does the Sepsis Screen Panel Test measure? 

This comprehensive test panel measures several important markers to help your doctor understand your infection: 

• Gram-positive bacteria: Including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species, and Enterococcus that commonly cause bloodstream infections 

• Gram-negative bacteria: Such as E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa that can lead to severe sepsis 

• Fungi: Including various Candida species that may cause systemic fungal infections 

• Drug resistance genes: Genetic markers that indicate whether the infection-causing organisms are resistant to common antibiotics 

• Treatment guidance markers: Information to help your doctor choose the most effective antimicrobial therapy 

Sepsis Screen Panel Test: Who Needs It and Why It's Done 

What Symptoms May Call for a Sepsis Screen Panel Test? 

Your doctor may recommend this test if you show signs of a serious infection: 

• High fever above 101°F (38.3°C) or unusually low body temperature 

• Rapid heart rate and fast breathing 

• Chills and shivering 

• Confusion or difficulty staying awake 

• Extreme pain or discomfort throughout your body 

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 

• Clammy or sweaty skin 

• Very low blood pressure 

Who should get a Sepsis Screen Panel Test? 

This test is particularly important for people at higher risk of developing severe infections or health conditions: 

• Adults aged 65 years or older 

• Infants under one year of age 

• People with weakened immune systems due to cancer treatment, HIV, or immunosuppressive medications 

• Individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes, lung disease, or kidney problems, like acute kidney injury 

• Patients who have recently been hospitalised or had surgery 

• People with medical devices like catheters, breathing tubes, or artificial joints 

Why is a Sepsis Screen Panel Test done? 

This test provides rapid, accurate diagnosis of sepsis when time is critical for saving lives. Early identification of the specific organism and its resistance pattern helps doctors start the most effective treatment immediately. 

Importance of a Sepsis Screen Panel Test 

The sepsis screen panel test plays a crucial role in emergency medicine and critical care. Sepsis can progress rapidly from infection to organ failure and death within hours, making quick diagnosis essential for your survival. 

This test, complementing blood cultures, helps your medical team identify the exact cause of your infection and determine which antibiotics will work best. By detecting drug resistance genes, it prevents the use of ineffective treatments that could waste precious time. The comprehensive nature of this test means your doctor gets multiple pieces of vital information from a single blood sample, enabling faster decision-making in life-threatening situations. 

Sepsis Screen Panel Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare India 

How to Book a Sepsis Screen Panel Test? 

1. Simple Online Booking 
   Booking can be done through the Metropolis Healthcare app or website. Select Sepsis Screen Panel Test, choose a convenient time slot, and provide your address for a blood test at home. You can also visit the nearest Metropolis Lab if you prefer to give the sample directly at the lab. 

1. Safe Home Sample Collection 
   Our trained phlebotomists ensure timely collection of your sample while strictly following all safety and hygiene protocols. 

1. Sample Tracking Updates 
   Stay informed at every step. From collection to testing, you can track your sample directly through the Metropolis Healthcare website. 

1. Accurate Laboratory Testing 
   Your sample is processed at our NABL & CAP accredited laboratories, where expert technicians ensure accurate results. 

1. Quick & Easy Reports 
   Receive your test reports promptly via email, WhatsApp, or by downloading them directly from the Metropolis Healthcare website or app. 

Is home sample collection for Sepsis Screen Panel Test available near you?  

Yes, home blood sample collection is available for sepsis screen panel tests. Our trained phlebotomists follow strict safety protocols while collecting your blood sample in the comfort of your home. This service is particularly valuable for sepsis screening, where quick action matters. Metropolis Healthcare's extensive network of over 10,000 touchpoints ensures reliable, accurate testing is accessible whenever and wherever you need it most. 

How Long Does It Take to Get a Sepsis Screen Panel Test Report? 

Reports are usually available in 24 hrs once the sample reaches the pathology lab. 

Note: Reporting time may vary depending on your location. 

Where can I see or get Sepsis Screen Panel Test results? 

Test results from Metropolis Healthcare can be accessed through multiple convenient channels. You can log in to the Metropolis website using your credentials or use the Metropolis Healthcare app to view and download your reports. Additionally, test reports are sent via email or WhatsApp, and you also have the option to collect a physical copy directly from the lab. 

Interpreting Sepsis Screen Panel Test Results 

What Your Sepsis Screen Panel Test Results May Indicate? 

The table below shows how 30 biomarkers are screened in the test and what the results mean for your health. 

Conditions that May Affect Sepsis Screen Panel Test Accuracy 

Several factors can influence the accuracy of your sepsis screen panel test results: 

• Recent antibiotic treatment may reduce the ability to detect living organisms in your blood 

• Presence of PCR inhibitors in your sample may prevent proper DNA amplification during testing 

• Contamination during sample collection can lead to false positive results 

• Inappropriate specimen collection may cause inaccurate or misleading results 

• Severe dehydration can concentrate blood components and affect test interpretation 

• Blood clotting in the sample prevents proper analysis and may require repeat testing 

How is a Sepsis Screen Panel Test Done? 

The sepsis screen panel test follows a systematic process to ensure accurate results: 

• A healthcare professional draws 6ml of blood from a vein in your arm using sterile technique 

• Your blood is collected in special EDTA tubes that prevent clotting 

• The sample is transported to our molecular biology laboratory under controlled temperature conditions 

• Genetic material is extracted from any microorganisms present in your blood 

• Advanced molecular techniques amplify specific DNA sequences to identify pathogens 

• Sophisticated equipment detects the presence or absence of target organisms and resistance genes 

• Multiple checks ensure the accuracy and reliability of your results 

How Should You Prepare for a Sepsis Screen Panel Test? 

Preparing for your sepsis screen panel test is straightforward: 

• No fasting required: You can eat and drink normally before the test 

• Continue medications: Keep taking your prescribed medicines unless your doctor advises otherwise 

• Inform about antibiotics: Tell your healthcare provider about any antibiotics you've taken recently 

• Stay hydrated: Drink adequate water to help with easier blood collection 

• Wear comfortable clothing: Choose clothes with sleeves that can be easily rolled up 

Diseases that a Sepsis Screen Panel Test Can Help Detect 

This comprehensive test helps identify several serious health risks: 

• Sepsis: Life-threatening response to infection causing widespread inflammation 

• Bloodstream infections: Bacteria or fungi circulating in your blood 

• Antimicrobial-resistant infections: Infections that don't respond to standard antibiotics 

• Hospital-acquired infections: Infections contracted during medical care 

• Catheter-related bloodstream infections: Infections associated with medical devices 

• Fungal sepsis: Systemic infection caused by yeast or moulds 

• Multi-drug resistant bacterial infections: Infections requiring specialised treatment approaches 

Sepsis Screen Panel Test/Packages that You Can Book With Metropolis Healthcare 

The following related tests complement your sepsis screening and provide comprehensive infection assessment: