A rural Louisiana hospital works to improve early sepsis detection
At Our Lady of the Lake Ascension, a community hospital in Gonzales, La., that鈥檚 part of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System (FMOLHS), a groundbreaking technology is making waves in sepsis detection. The hospital has recently implemented the only Food and Drug Administration-cleared sepsis test, IntelliSep, a blood test that can detect sepsis in its early stages. Test results are available in under 10 minutes, allowing health care providers to act swiftly. "Early detection is a matter of life and death," said Chuck Spicer, president of Our Lady of the Lake Ascension.
The new sepsis test has already shown promising results. In its first year of use, the hospital reported a 30% reduction in mortality among septic patients, due to being able to diagnose and treat the infection more quickly. The hospital's emergency department, which sees a high volume of critically ill patients, has integrated the test into its routine workflows, ensuring that every patient suspected of sepsis is tested promptly. FMOLHS is one of only two health systems using the test.
The impact extends beyond patient outcomes. By reducing the time spent in the hospital and minimizing unnecessary patient transfers, the technology also helps lower medical costs and improve overall health care delivery for patients. "The addition of a proven, innovative technology gives us an accurate tool for ensuring our patients receive the most appropriate treatments locally," Spicer added.