In a UK-first, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Barts Health NHS Trust have developed a DNA sequencing approach that can be implemented onsite in hospitals so they can diagnose bacterial infections faster and more accurately.
DNA sequencing will help doctors deliver better-targeted treatments earlier.
For patients, this means a quicker recovery, fewer complications such as sepsis, and a reduced risk of spreading infections to others.
How quick results can reduce antibiotic resistance
It is now being piloted to investigate and prevent hospital outbreaks caused by antibiotic-resistant ‘superbugs’ — a growing global threat.
The new approach confirms that the DNA sequencing method can reliably detect which bacteria are causing an infection and which antibiotics will work best to treat it.
The approach delivers results within two days, significantly faster than traditional methods, which can take approximately seven days and, in some difficult cases, up to eight weeks.
Antimicrobial resistance has become a serious global threat, causing at least one million deaths every year since 1990. Without urgent action, the Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance (GRAM) Project predicts that drug-resistant infections could claim more than 39 million lives between now and 2050.
To speed up the accurate detection of pathogens and quickly identify those that are resistant to antimicrobial medicines, the focus is now on optimising and standardising this new DNA sequencing hospital service so it can be replicated elsewhere.
Since September 2024, over 2000 patient samples have been analysed using the approach across seven London hospitals, including the Royal London, Whipps Cross, Newham, St Bartholomew’s, Homerton, Lewisham, and Greenwich.
Integrating DNA sequencing into hospital practices
The goal is to make rapid DNA sequencing a routine part of hospital diagnostics across the NHS, bringing faster, more accurate infection testing to patients nationwide.
Health Minister Ashley Dalton explained: “This groundbreaking use of the technology in hospitals will cut diagnosis times down from weeks to just two days, enabling doctors to provide the right treatment faster and saving lives while also fighting the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
“As we move from analogue to digital, we are delivering practical solutions for our NHS, which will improve patient care and help our frontline staff work more effectively.”
Central to the success of this new service run by Barts Health is the MHRA’s work in developing reference materials – carefully controlled samples recognised by the World Health Organization – that ensure patients receive consistent, trustworthy diagnoses.
Delivering diagnoses quickly and efficiently
The MHRA is now working to standardise the technology, paving the way for wider NHS adoption. This could mean more hospitals can benefit from rapid, accurate bacterial infection diagnostics and prevent unnecessary broad-spectrum antibiotic use.
“The pilot has demonstrated that this new technology is already making a real difference to patients’ lives,” said Dr Chrysi Sergaki, Head of Microbiome at the MHRA.
“When someone comes into hospital with a serious infection, every hour counts. Instead of waiting days or even weeks to identify exactly what’s causing their infection, hospitals can now get answers within 48 hours.
“This means doctors can start the right treatment sooner, helping patients recover faster and get back home to their families.”
