Seattle – September 7, 2023 – Magnolia Medical Technologies, Inc., the inventors of the Steripath Initial Specimen Diversion Device (ISDD) and the ISDD market, is intensifying efforts to combat sepsis misdiagnosis this Sepsis Awareness Month. In recognition of the far-reaching implications of an inaccurate sepsis test result, including the risk of accelerating antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the company is committed to raising awareness through peer-reviewed scientific data and programmatic education.

“Sepsis is not just a medical emergency; it’s a societal crisis that exacts a terrible toll on patients and the healthcare system, alike. Our company mission is to prevent the avoidable harm and unnecessary death caused by sepsis misdiagnosis via our innovative platforms and solutions that help address this significant risk to patient safety and care quality,” said Greg Bullington, CEO and Co-Founder of Magnolia Medical.

The Importance of Sepsis Awareness Month
Sepsis Awareness Month is of particular significance to Magnolia Medical. The company’s co-founders have observed firsthand the effects of inaccurate sepsis test results, fueling their passion for eliminating this preventable error for the world. According to a recent survey conducted among over 1,000 Americans, 31% of respondents have either had sepsis or have had a loved one directly impacted. Bullington elaborates that, “Sepsis is the leading cause of death, readmissions, and healthcare costs in U.S. hospitals. A staggering 270,000 Americans die from sepsis annually. Yet, the condition and the role of key diagnostic tests remain poorly understood by the public.”

The Link to Antimicrobial Resistance
The misdiagnosis of sepsis has additional implications, including its connection to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The World Health Organization has identified AMR as one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity. “When sepsis is misdiagnosed, it often leads to the unnecessary administration of antibiotics. Antibiotics, while lifesaving, can contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistant bacteria. This is a critical issue that requires immediate attention,” said Tammy Johnson, AVP, Clinical Strategy at Magnolia Medical.

About Steripath
The Steripath® Initial Specimen Diversion Device® family of products are FDA 510(k)-cleared with a specific indication to reduce blood culture contamination.4 They are the only all-in-one device platform clinically proven to meet the ENA, INS, CDC, and CLSI evidence-based best practice guidelines to reduce blood culture contamination.5,6,7,8,9 To date, 20 clinical studies have been completed supporting the clinical and cost effectiveness of Steripath. All studies reported sustained contamination rates of 0-1% using Steripath, up to a 31% reduction in vancomycin days of therapy, and as much as a 12-fold decrease in false-positive central line-associated blood stream infections (CLABSIs) over extended periods of time.

Steripath has been adopted by hundreds of U.S. hospitals and healthcare systems to address the problem of blood culture contamination, which can lead to sepsis misdiagnosis resulting in unnecessary, prolonged, and harmful antibiotic treatment, extended length of hospital stay, false-positive CLABSIs, and wasted healthcare resources.

About Magnolia Medical Technologies
Magnolia Medical Technologies develops, manufactures, and markets innovative blood and bodily fluid collection devices to facilitate significant improvements in the accuracy, consistency, and predictability of critical laboratory tests. Magnolia Medical invented and patented the Initial Specimen Diversion Technique®(ISDT®) and Initial Specimen Diversion Device® (ISDD®) for blood culture collection and contamination prevention. The company has amassed an intellectual property portfolio protecting its novel innovative technologies, including more than 150 issued method, apparatus, and design patents with more than 50 additional patent applications pending. For more information, visit www.magnolia-medical.com.

Reference: https://magnolia-medical.com/press-release/combat-the-clinical-and-economic-risks-of-sepsis-misdiagnosis/