Multicenter study shows QuickMIC delivers actionable AST results within the same shift
Gradientech today announces the publication of a major European multicenter study demonstrating that its QuickMIC system can deliver rapid and reliable antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) results within the same shift – up to 45 hours faster than conventional methods. The study highlights the transformative potential of ultra-rapid AST to improve sepsis management by enabling clinicians to make earlier, more informed treatment decisions.
The prospective study was conducted across 12 hospitals in five countries including the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Italy, and Portugal – reflecting diverse laboratory workflows and routine clinical practice. A total of 306 samples with Gram-negative bacteria from positive blood cultures were analysed in parallel using the QuickMIC® system and the standard AST method used at each hospital.
The multicenter study demonstrated high concordance for QuickMIC with more than 90% categorical agreement with standard methods across most antibiotic–pathogen combinations, while reducing time to actionable AST results by 17-45 hours. Notably, 88% of results were delivered within the same shift enabling treatment decisions on the same day. These results were consistent across all participating sites, demonstrating that QuickMIC performs reliably in real-world clinical environments.
“This study confirms that same-shift AST results are not just possible – they are scalable across routine clinical laboratories”, says Christer Malmbeg, Chief Scientist at Gradientech.” QuickMIC empowers clinicians with rapid, reliable data when it matters most, enabling faster, targeted treatment decisions and supporting antimicrobial stewardship efforts.”
With growing pressure to combat antimicrobial resistance and improve patient outcomes, this multicenter study highlights QuickMIC as a new benchmark for speed and clinical impact in microbiology diagnostics.
The study is published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. To access the full article, please visit: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cellular-and-infection-microbiology/articles/10.3389/
fcimb.2026.1823965/full
QuickMIC® and its Gram-negative panel are CE marked and commercially available in Europe. QuickMIC is classified as a Breakthrough Device by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and available for Investigational Use Only in the U.S., but not 510(k) cleared.
For further information, please contact:
Sara Thorslund, PhD, CEO
Tel: +46 736 29 35 80
About Gradientech
Gradientech is a leader in ultra-rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing, developing next-generation diagnostics for infectious disease medicine. Our innovative diagnostic solutions aim to save lives, reduce healthcare costs, and combat the spread of antibiotic resistance – one of our greatest global health threats. Gradientech is headquartered in Uppsala, Sweden. Visit gradientech.se for more information.