April 19, 2017 -- GRONINGEN — Detact Diagnostics today announced the continued investment of €2.1M from Investment group NOM Finance for the further development of its innovative and patented technological platform that can detect enzymatic (bacterial) activity in just 30 seconds, which can reduce the likelihood of an outbreak and will improve safety of patients and food.

One of the largest and most serious threats for patients in hospitals is developing a Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI). International surveys and studies consistently confirm that most near-patient surfaces are not being cleaned in accordance with existing hospital policies. Carling and Bartley conclude in a 2010 evaluation of cleaning standards in US healthcare environments - 'Only 34% of near-patient surfaces are actually clean'. Their critical analysis is supported by a 2013 survey from the European Centre for Disease prevention and Control among 30 countries. The Centre claims that about 80.000 patients are infected by a HAI each day; building up to an estimated 3.2 million HAI-infected patients a year. Early detection and new high tech methods for microbiological monitoring will guarantee a reduction in the number of HAIs. This benefits patients, health institutions, and insurers.

"Designing new tests for monitoring and control of infections should decrease the number of HAIs, reduce hospital costs, and improve patient safety," said Dr. Joost Gazendam, CEO of Detact Diagnostics. "Our innovative technology platform is fast, because it doesn't rely on an enrichment process. It detects contaminations below clinically-relevant levels and can be made as specific as required (from a single strain of C.Diff or Listeria, to an entire group like gram negatives or positives). "
Geert Buiter, Executive VP of Investment group NOM, the Netherlands said, "we were eager to invest in Detact, not only because of the worldwide problems it addresses with an innovative product, but also because of the intentions it has to collaborate with strategic partners in order to expedite the implementation of this concept in the international healthcare industry."

There is currently no good way to evaluate the level of cleanliness.

The platform is a complete revolution from the current standard. Current bacterial tests need to grow bacteria to detect them. This usually occurs in an environment where they should not be in the first place. The Detact Diagnostics concept entirely eliminates this enrichment step, which cuts out 6-8 hours of waiting for results. The test result is clear after 30 seconds.

Infection Control Homepage