Cybersecurity Breakthrough: University of Manchester Researchers Achieve Groundbreaking Results in Reducing Beta-D-Glucan Turnaround Times

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the University of Manchester have made a significant breakthrough in reducing beta-D-glucan turnaround times, a critical component in the early diagnosis of invasive fungal infections. The study, published in BMJ Open Quality, revealed that a quality improvement project (QIP) led to a substantial decrease in turnaround times, from 11.6 to 2.5 days, while also increasing the percentage of BDG results authorized within 5 working days from 0.88% to 92.8%. This achievement has been well-received by laboratory staff and clinical teams, and is expected to contribute to antifungal stewardship.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study identified that the greatest delay in turnaround times was the UK Health Security Agency Mycology Reference Laboratory (MRL) posting hardcopy reports.
  • Electronic reporting was investigated, but information technology (IT) and staffing limitations made it unviable.
  • A commercial solution was identified, enabling in-house BDG testing that was a good fit with the available staffing resource and laboratory environment.
  • The QIP resulted in a significant improvement in performance, with 92.8% of BDG results authorized within 5 working days.
  • The mean turnaround time was reduced from 11.6 to 2.5 days.
  • The study concluded that the change has been well-received by laboratory staff and clinical teams, and is expected to contribute to antifungal stewardship.

Statistics:

  • 0.88% of BDG results were authorized within 5 working days before the QIP.
  • 92.8% of BDG results were authorized within 5 working days after the QIP.
  • Mean turnaround time was 11.6 days before the QIP.
  • Mean turnaround time was 2.5 days after the QIP.
  • The QIP resulted in a significant reduction in unit cost.

Sources:

  • "Quality improvement project to reduce beta-D-glucan turnaround times in an NHS pathology network." BMJ Open Quality, 2025, 14(2). (BMJ Open Quality - https://bmjopenquality.bmj.com/)
  • Nathan Proudlove, Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.
  • Cassie Pope, Madeline Stone, additional authors.
  • NewsRx. University of Manchester Researchers Highlight Recent Research in Cybersecurity (Quality improvement project to reduce beta-D-glucan turnaround times in an NHS pathology network). Journal of Engineering. May 19, 2025; p 4376.