NHS trialling rapid blood test to help diagnose sepsis and meningitis in children

The blood test that is being trialled can rapidly indicate whether a patient has a bacterial infection that could benefit from immediate antibiotics. Photograph: John Moore/Getty Images

The NHS is trialling a rapid blood test to help diagnose life-threatening conditions in children.

The 15-minute blood test can speed up the diagnosis of illnesses such as sepsis or meningitis by telling medical practitioners whether a patient is suffering from a bacterial or viral infection.