Novel Blood RNA-Based Diagnostic Test Enables Early Detection of Infections

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 04 Jul 2023

Image: TruNAV can detect the presence of a pathogen even before it is fully identified, sequenced, and testable (Photo courtesy of Freepik)

Abdominal pain, accounting for over 16 million annual cases, can be due to internal infection or inflammation of the appendix. However, accurate diagnosis is challenging without the use of computed tomography, which involves significant radiation exposure. Recent research indicates that our circulating blood cells may show changes in RNA expression when such internal infections or inflammation occur. Now, a novel blood RNA-based diagnostic test designed for the early detection of infections can help diagnose the presence of internal infections in patients with abdominal pain.

True Bearing Diagnostics (Washington, DC, USA) has identified diagnostic biomarker panels for several conditions, including cardiovascular disease, appendicitis, and pneumonia/respiratory infections. Using its innovative technology for biomarker discovery enables the company to tap into the vast potential of personalized, precision diagnostics for human diseases and the identification of new drug targets. This discovery process uses state-of-the-art single molecule RNA sequencing techniques, producing tests that are both accurate and cost-effective. One such test is TruNAV, which works by measuring specific RNA transcripts in whole blood that are associated with the activation of the human immune system. TruNAV detects RNA transcripts highly sensitive to Neutrophil ActiVation from any pathogen, making it well suited for early detection of infections.

TruNAV stands out due to its ability to detect a wide variety of infections, from common ones like pneumonia to viral infections such as COVID19, and notably, biofilm-type infections associated with conditions like appendicitis, diabetic foot ulcers, and prosthetic joint infections. Medical professionals currently lack a diagnostic tool that exceeds 50% accuracy. TruNAV, with its impressive 97% accuracy rate, provides a clear yes-no answer regarding the existence of an infection and, if present, its severity. TruNAV is set to undergo a multi-center clinical trial to further validate its effectiveness in diagnosing internal infections in patients with abdominal pain. In addition, TruNAV could prove invaluable during future pandemics, such as COVID19, as it can identify the presence of a pathogen even before it has been fully identified, sequenced, and testable.

Related Links:
True Bearing Diagnostics