A specialist clinic serving Newcastle and the North East has introduced rapid testing for urinary tract infections (UTIs), giving patients results in around 35 minutes rather than waiting days for laboratory results.
Forbury Newcastle, based at The Beverley Hospital in Team Valley, Gateshead, is offering the molecular test as part of its specialist care for patients with recurrent and difficult-to-treat infections.
The Lodestar DX molecular test, developed by British medical technology company Llusern Scientific, can identify six common UTI-causing bacterial targets in a urine sample and indicate when more than one is present. It is available as part of the clinic’s specialist pathway for patients with recurrent and difficult-to-treat infections.
The technology detects bacterial DNA directly, removing the need to wait for bacteria to grow before providing an initial bacterial identification. Results are available in approximately 35–40 minutes, compared with around 48–72 hours for a full laboratory culture report.
For patients experiencing repeated infections, the test provides earlier information to support specialist assessment and help clinicians consider the next steps in their care. It is used alongside traditional culture, which remains important for determining antibiotic susceptibility.
The test detects E. coli, Enterococcus species, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
UTI diagnosis has traditionally relied on assessment of symptoms, urine dipsticks and laboratory cultures. Dipsticks can provide an initial indication of infection but do not identify the bacteria responsible, while culture results can take several days. Patients may therefore be prescribed antibiotics before laboratory findings are available.
Jon Barclay from The Forbury Newcastle said: “Recurrent UTIs can have a huge impact on patients’ day-to-day lives, particularly when they experience infection after infection. Molecular testing means we no longer have to wait days for answers. Being able to identify common UTI-causing bacteria in around 35 minutes gives us far more information at the point of consultation, so we can decide on the most appropriate next step for the patient there and then.”
Forbury Newcastle will offer the technology through its dedicated UTI pathway and is recognised by the UTI Institute, which was founded to promote high standards in UTI care.
The new clinic brings together nine consultant urologists from across the North East as Tyneside Urology Partners, with patients matched to the consultant whose specialist expertise is most relevant to their condition. All the consultants also hold NHS posts at The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, including the Freeman Hospital. Forbury Newcastle is a joint venture between The Forbury Clinic and The Beverley Hospital and is based at The Beverley Hospital in Team Valley, Gateshead.
