Can Gene Scores Help Detect Sepsis? - Scorecard - MDSpire

Can Gene Scores Help Detect Sepsis?

Multicenter study assesses diagnostic accuracy of rapid transcriptomic testing

  • By

  • Jess Allerton

  • March 12, 2026

  • 2 min

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Clinical Scorecard: Can Gene Scores Help Detect Sepsis?

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionSepsis
Key MechanismsRapid gene expression-based blood test measuring PLA2G7 and PLAC8.
Target PopulationAdults admitted to ICU with suspected sepsis.
Care SettingIntensive Care Unit (ICU)

Key Highlights

  • Gene expression assay achieved AUC of 0.84 for differentiating sepsis from noninfectious critical illness.
  • Positive predictive value for sepsis in Band 4 was 92%; sensitivity was 79%.
  • Diagnostic performance superior to CRP (0.75) and similar to PCT (0.80).
  • No association found between gene score and disease severity or mortality.
  • Initial clinical assessment and gene score were independent predictors of sepsis.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Utilize gene expression score to aid in distinguishing sepsis from sterile inflammation.

Management

  • Consider gene score results in conjunction with clinical assessment for sepsis management.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Monitor patients with low gene scores for absence of sepsis diagnosis.

Risks

  • Limitations include lack of data on prior antibiotic exposure and reliance on clinical adjudication.

Patient & Prescribing Data

353 adults suspected of sepsis in ICU.

Gene score can refine diagnostic accuracy and guide treatment decisions.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Incorporate gene expression testing in sepsis protocols.
  • Use in conjunction with clinical judgment and other biomarkers.

References

Original Source(s)

Can Gene Scores Help Detect Sepsis?

  • by Jess Allerton

  • March 12, 2026

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