The NHS is piloting a rapid blood test in children to speed up the diagnosis of life‑threatening infections. The 15‑minute assay aims to distinguish between bacterial and viral illness, enabling faster treatment decisions than standard laboratory analyses.

The trial is funded by NHS England and is being conducted in three emergency departments: Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, St Mary’s Hospital in London, and Great North Children’s Hospital in Newcastle. Lead investigator Enitan Carrol, professor of paediatric infection at the University of Liverpool, said the test can quickly distinguish between a minor viral illness such as a cold and a more serious infection. “Many of the children who come to hospital have a fever and this test can quickly distinguish between a minor viral illness like a cold, or a more serious infection.” He added that the study is examining whether rapid, definitive results can help doctors make faster treatment decisions and reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.

Dr Charlotte Durand, consultant in paediatric emergency medicine at Alder Hey, said the test could have a substantial impact on the emergency care of paediatric patients. Dr Ron Daniels, founder and chief medical officer of the UK Sepsis Trust, said the test could save lives, noting that evidence shows care is suboptimal in a number of infection‑related deaths. Professor Simon Kenny, NHS England’s national clinical director for children and young people, said innovations like the 15‑minute test speed up diagnosis and help free up resources. The MeMed BV test is being evaluated in real‑world settings and the project runs until March.