New PCR Test Targets Hidden Bacteremia - Takeaways - MDSpire

New PCR Test Targets Hidden Bacteremia

Researchers evaluate a host-response-focused diagnostic approach for detecting bloodstream infections using small blood volumes

  • June 8, 2026

  • 3 min

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  • 1

    Researchers developed a new PCR method to detect bacteremia by identifying bacterial DNA within neutrophils.

  • 2

    The droplet digital cell PCR (ddcPCR) method amplifies bacterial DNA at single-cell resolution from isolated neutrophils.

  • 3

    In tests, ddcPCR detected S. aureus in six cases, while standard blood cultures identified it in only three.

  • 4

    Four patients tested positive by ddcPCR despite negative blood cultures, likely due to prior antibiotic treatment.

  • 5

    ddcPCR requires less blood than traditional cultures and may aid in faster diagnosis and treatment of bacteremia.

Original Source(s)

New PCR Test Targets Hidden Bacteremia

  • June 8, 2026

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