Same-day test helps doctors detect hidden infections in critically ill children

Figure caption, Same-day test helps detect hidden infections in critically ill children

Medical editor Published 16 October 2026, 01:34 BST A pioneering same-day test has been used to detect hidden and drug-resistant infections among children in intensive care.

Respiratory samples from more than 100 critically ill young patients at London's Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) were sent for what is known as metagenomic testing. , external

It can identify bacteria, viruses and fungi from a single sample, which in many cases influences what doctors prescribe.

Metagenomics can detect infections that standard tests miss, meaning better outcomes for some critically ill patients.

In March, 10-year-old Willow Crowther became dangerously ill with pneumonia, which triggered a seizure and multiple cardiac arrests.

Willow, from Kent, was admitted to intensive care at GOSH. Her mum, Stacey Moore, was told she had a 50% chance of survival.