People
Dr Ashley Price
Infection Theme Lead
Infection
There is a need for tests to quickly diagnose infectious diseases. In general, current hospital laboratory tests are relatively slow with standard microbiology specimens often taking 2-3 days to be fully processed. Novel rapid diagnostic tests promise to revolutionise the field. They have the potential to provide accurate detection of infectious diseases within hours or even minutes. This could enable quicker access to the most effective treatments and efficient delivery of infection prevention and control measures. However these technologies require robust evidence to support their possible benefits before they can be widely used.
As the Newcastle NIHR Diagnostic Evidence Co-operative, infection was a successful theme leading to the introduction of a near bedside influenza test at Newcastle Hospitals. As the NIHR Newcastle MIC we continued to build our expertise in this area. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we were a key part of CONDOR, the COVID-19 National DiagnOstic Research and Evaluation Platform.
Under the HRC scheme, we will continue to be a centre of excellence in the area of infection and antimicrobial resistance. The theme is led by Dr. Ashley Price, consultant in infectious diseases and acute medicine at Newcastle Hospitals.
Our areas of focus, along with seasonal respiratory viral illnesses, are tests for: sepsis; hospital acquired infection; urinary tract infections; paediatric infections and helping to combat antimicrobial resistance.
