UTI diagnosis in pregnancy by VOC analysis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Point of care diagnosis of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in pregnancy by volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis
IRAS ID
282829
Contact name
Lauren Lacey
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Warwick
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, months, 31 days
Research summary
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in pregnancy affecting up to one in ten women. Some of these women have symptoms to warn them but others do not. UTIs can lead to complications in pregnancy which can affect both the mother and the baby and therefore diagnosis in a timely fashion is important. The current rapid tests used in clinics are not very accurate to diagnose UTIs. Consequently, it is currently recommended that all women provide a urine sample when they book their pregnancy with their community midwife which is sent to the laboratory to be cultured. If bacteria grow additional tests are done to determine which antibiotics will be effective at treating that bacteria which has grown. This is a time consuming and expensive process which can lead to delays in starting treatment.
A new technology which mimics the human nose has been recently shown to accurately diagnose several human diseases including various infections. We want to ascertain if this technology which could be available as a bedside test can diagnose UTIs in pregnancy.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/NW/0450
Date of REC Opinion
30 Mar 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion