Driven to improve quality of life and outcomes for cancer patients, one startup has created a simple test that can quickly and sensitively detect infections – helping patients to access the care they need, sooner.

For cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, detecting neutropenic sepsis – a serious and potentially life-threatening infection – is critical to patient recovery. But current detection methods are costly, slow and often require patients to spend extended periods in hospital.

With support from the MedTech Actuator™ Accelerator program, Brisbane-based startup RapidMotion has created a simple, low-cost test that can detect the presence of bacterial infection quickly and sensitively from blood samples. The test can be performed at the bedside, and results can be read in under 15 minutes.

RapidMotion CEO, Dr Ryan Salinas, says that the test could have a major impact on the quality of life and outcomes for cancer patients.

"We want to enable clinicians to act faster, so patients can access the care they need sooner," Dr Salinas said.

The test works by detecting a protein that is released by white blood cells in response to infection. It is designed to be used alongside existing tests, providing an additional layer of information to help clinicians make faster and more informed decisions.

RapidMotion is currently working with clinicians at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane to validate the test, and is aiming to have it on the market within the next two years.

To find out more about RapidMotion, visit www.rapidmotion.com.au.

Applications for the 2020 MedTech Actuator™ Accelerator program are now open. Find out more and apply at medtechactuator.com.