Sepsis, a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by an infection that triggers a dysregulated host response, is a global health dilemma and accounts the hospitalization of approximately 49 million people and an estimated 11 million deaths annually.  There is no cure for sepsis, and if a person survives sepsis their quality of life may be significantly impacted including loss of mobility, decline mental function, experiencing muscle and joint pain, post-traumatic stress disorder, kidney failure, cardiac disease, respiratory dysfunction and limb loss. Global initiatives are focused on educating the public on the signs and symptoms of sepsis along with physician for early detection and treatment.  The presentation will provide an overview of sepsis – Sepsis 2 and Sepsis 3, past, current, and emerging biomarkers and their clinical utility, and the significance of the clinical laboratory in detecting sepsis for both the adult and pediatric populations. 

Sanchia Warren^1
1Tasmanian Health Service Hospitals South

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care Sepsis Clinical Care Standards (CCS) were developed to ensure early recognition of sepsis and coordinated care resulting with the aim of decreased mortality and morbidity for patients.  There is no single laboratory test for sepsis and clinical decision making remains the cornerstone of sepsis diagnosis and the Sepsis CCS.  Newer rapid diagnostics in both microbiology and biochemistry for sepsis are available but in many places are yet to be embedded in care.  For the clinician, knowledge of local epidemiology and local laboratory practices are important in the ongoing management of the septic patient.