Sysmex’s PA-100 AST System can diagnose urinary tract infections in just 15 minutes and select effective antibiotics within the next 30. Backed by cost-saving projections in Spain and winner of the £8 million Longitude Prize, the system marks a turning point in the global strategy against antimicrobial resistance.
Sysmex is advancing the way urinary tract infections (UTIs) are diagnosed and treated with its cutting-edge PA-100 AST System. Fusing nanofluidic innovation with rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), the system delivers precise, reliable results in under 45 minutes — a considerable improvement over standard diagnostic timelines. This speed allows healthcare providers to act quickly, offering patients the right treatment without unnecessary delays.
UTIs continue to strain healthcare systems worldwide
Affecting more than 400 million people each year, UTIs are among the most frequently encountered bacterial infections. Delays in testing and dependence on empirical antibiotic use can lead to poor outcomes and heighten the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The PA-100 AST System’s high accuracy — 84% sensitivity and 99% specificity — allows for prompt and accurate treatment decisions, reducing the need for broad-spectrum antibiotics and helping mitigate AMR.
Alain Baverel, President & CEO Sysmex Europe SE, remarked,
“The PA-100 AST System represents a pivotal innovation in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. By providing clinicians with rapid and precise diagnostic insights, we can transform how urinary tract infections are treated globally. This tool not only benefits patients but also strengthens the financial sustainability of healthcare systems.”
Modelling shows fiscal benefits in Spanish healthcare
A recent budget impact assessment forecasts substantial economic advantages for Spain’s public healthcare system through adoption of the PA-100 AST System. With full-scale implementation, the first-year savings could reach €323 million. The projections account for fewer secondary complications, lower hospitalisation rates and reduced indirect costs such as absenteeism, with additional savings anticipated over the following two years.
Takashi Ono, Member of the Managing Board and Senior Executive Officer & Managing Director of Sysmex Corporation, commented,
“By addressing one of the leading causes of antibiotic misuse, Sysmex’s PA-100 AST System aligns perfectly with global efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance. The system empowers healthcare providers with the data needed to make the right decision at the right time, benefiting patients and public health alike.”
Global acclaim for innovation in diagnostics
Recognised for its potential to reshape infectious disease management, the PA-100 AST System earned the Longitude Prize last year — an £8 million award celebrating innovations addressing antimicrobial resistance. The award highlights the global relevance and clinical value of this new diagnostic solution.
Palm-sized solution delivers real-time insights
Utilising a compact, smartphone-sized cartridge, the PA-100 AST System identifies bacteriuria in only 15 minutes and determines the most suitable antibiotics within half an hour thereafter. By expediting treatment pathways and avoiding unnecessary medication, the system reduces complications and improves outcomes.
Learn more about the PA-100 AST System
