Endotoxin Activity Assay: An Experience of a Southern-Italy Hospital

Abstract

Endotoxin activity assay is a novel and rapid test capable of differentiating Gram-negative sepsis from infections carried by other bacteria. The test, moreover, represents a useful tool in the management of the septic patient. We show the data collected during a 6-year period experience, related to samples from septic patients admitted in ICU; for each patient we performed an EAA test and a blood culture with an automated system. Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of the EAA test, alone or in combination with blood cultures, in ICU setting. Our experience confirms that the measure of the endotoxin levels, along with the execution of a traditional blood culture, provides a useful tool in the management of the critical patient. The high predictive negative value of the EAA test, moreover, allow to rule-out a Gram-negative bloodstream infection.