New blood test could spot dangerous infections in feverish kids faster

NCT ID NCT03163628

Completed Diagnosis Sponsor: Hospices Civils de Lyon Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looked at whether a combination of 7 biomarkers in the blood can more accurately diagnose severe bacterial infections in children aged 7 days to 36 months with fever. Researchers enrolled 983 children and compared the biomarker panel's performance against standard tests like CRP and procalcitonin. The goal is to help doctors quickly tell apart bacterial from viral infections, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: biomarker blood test (combination of 7 markers)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to a more accurate blood test to quickly tell if a feverish child has a severe bacterial infection versus a viral one, reducing unnecessary antibiotics.
What could go wrong: This is a completed diagnostic study, not a treatment trial. The new test combination may not prove significantly better than existing tests like CRP or procalcitonin in real-world settings.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

bacterial infectious disease disease viral infectious disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

INFECTION VIRAL INFECTION, BACTERIAL

Contacts and locations

Locations

Hospices Civils de Lyon

Bron, 69500, France
Hôpital Louis Mourier - APHP

Colombes, 92700, France
Hôpital Nord Ouest

Gleizé, 69655, France

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