With the ability to identify UTIs in 15 minutes and determine effective antibiotics in just 30 more, Sysmex’s PA-100 AST System offers a breakthrough in infection management. Spanish economic modelling highlights major cost-saving potential. The system was also awarded the £8 million Longitude Prize for its role in tackling antimicrobial resistance.
Sysmex has unveiled a major advancement in medical diagnostics with the launch of its PA-100 AST System, designed to transform the management of uncomplicated urinary tract infections. Using cutting-edge nanofluidic technology and rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), the system delivers conclusive diagnostic results within 45 minutes. This significantly accelerates treatment timelines and supports more accurate, evidence-based decisions in clinical settings.
UTIs: A major yet under-addressed health issue
Each year, urinary tract infections impact over 400 million people globally. Delays in traditional diagnostic methods, along with the routine use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, often lead to mismanagement and worsening antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The PA-100 AST System directly addresses this issue with its 84% sensitivity and 99% specificity, offering fast, precise insights that reduce the need for empirical treatments.
Alain Baverel, President & CEO Sysmex Europe SE, remarked,
“The PA-100 AST System represents a pivotal innovation in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. By providing clinicians with rapid and precise diagnostic insights, we can transform how urinary tract infections are treated globally. This tool not only benefits patients but also strengthens the financial sustainability of healthcare systems.”
Cost-effectiveness validated through modelling in Spain
A recent analysis of potential financial outcomes in Spain suggests that integrating the PA-100 AST System into public health practice could lead to substantial savings. With full adoption, the model anticipates cost reductions totalling €323 million in the first year. Savings are attributed to fewer complications, reduced hospital admissions and less time lost to illness — with cumulative benefits projected to rise over three years.
Takashi Ono, Member of the Managing Board and Senior Executive Officer & Managing Director of Sysmex Corporation, commented,
“By addressing one of the leading causes of antibiotic misuse, Sysmex’s PA-100 AST System aligns perfectly with global efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance. The system empowers healthcare providers with the data needed to make the right decision at the right time, benefiting patients and public health alike.”
Prestigious Longitude Prize affirms global significance
Recognised for its innovation and clinical promise, the PA-100 AST System was named winner of the Longitude Prize — a prestigious £8 million award for breakthrough solutions in the fight against AMR. The honour highlights the system’s potential to reshape infectious disease care and improve health outcomes worldwide.
Fast, intuitive and portable
Utilising a sleek, smartphone-sized cartridge, the PA-100 AST System can detect bacteriuria within 15 minutes and identify suitable antibiotics just 30 minutes later. By minimising delays and supporting accurate prescribing, the system helps clinicians avoid unnecessary treatments and reduce patient risk.
To find out more about the PA-100 AST System, click here
