MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., May 20, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Today at American Society for Microbiology conference, award lecturer Dr. Christine Ginocchio discussed Specific Technologies blood culture system as an upcoming solution for rapid identification of microorganisms producing bloodstream infection. Dr. Ginocchio is the Senior Medical Director and Chief of the Division of Infectious Disease Diagnostics at North Shore-LIJ Health System, the nation's 2nd largest not-for-profit, non-sectarian health system.

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At the BD Award for Research in Clinical Microbiology presentation "Rapid Detection and Identification of Blood Stream Pathogens" Dr. Ginocchio described the groundbreaking Specific Technologies solution that identifies microorganisms during culture. Current standard practice requires completion of a blood culture and then requires additional time consuming and expensive molecular or chemical analysis. The Specific Technologies solution has demonstrated detection of infection and identification of species in blood culture 4-fold faster than the industry standard technology leading to early intervention that can save lives, with less lab labor and no additional instruments.

Bloodstream infection causing sepsis is the 10th leading cause of death, responsible for 11% of ICU admissions, with a mortality rate estimated at 28% to 50%, adding up to $50K costs per patient. To determine blood infection worldwide more than 150 million blood cultures are performed annually. Time is of the essence, survival rates decrease every hour without effective antibiotic treatment. Current blood culture practice typically takes 2 to 3 days before results can guide the effective antibiotic choice.

Dr. Ginocchio remarked, "During growth in culture bacteria produce small molecule volatile metabolites unique to their species and strain. The Specific Technologies system for identifying the microorganism from its metabolomic signature is an exciting new technology that can save precious hours critical to effective treatment of bloodstream infection causing sepsis."

Ray Martino a founder and COO of Specific Technologies, commented, "Current blood culture systems can only indicate the presence or absence of bacteria, with no information regarding ID. Not only does the Specific Tech system provide ID during culture but analytical studies have shown ID is provided more than 20% faster than current systems simply detect a positive presence."

Mr. Martino continued "We appreciate the consideration of Dr. Ginocchio a widely recognized expert in microbiology and infectious disease attested to by her track record of research and clinical leadership and advisory positions to the FDA, NIH, and IDSA, her grants, and her invited talks."

About Specific Technologies

Specific Technologies has developed in vitro diagnostic systems for rapid identification of microorganisms to diagnose infections that lead to serious medical conditions including sepsis. The company's unique, patented, metabolomic signature technology identifies microorganisms during culture growth before existing technologies based on molecular or chemical tests can be deployed resulting in faster diagnosis with less labor and no additional instruments. Specific Technologies is located in Mountain View, CA.

For additional information on the Company, please visit http://www.specifictechnologies.net .

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Specific Technologies Bloodstream Infection Identification Solutions Discussed at the American Society for ...