Published: 3rd February 2026 - All information correct at time of publication.
We are proud to be partnering with iFAST Diagnostics to evaluate their new antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) system.
The low-cost, high-throughput, bench top device can reduce the time it takes to complete AST testing from 48 hours to 3 hours, potentially saving thousands of lives across the United Kingdom.
Beginning on Monday, 2 February, our Southwest Pathology Services team in Taunton will evaluate the system in a laboratory setting, measuring its performance against our standard lab protocols to assess its wider use.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to populations around the world. It occurs when bacteria, fungi and other pathogens become drug-resistant, a process which is accelerated by the overuse or misuse of antimicrobials.
Our work with iFAST Diagnostics is a key example of SYNLAB’s pioneering role in translational research, working with academic institutions, such as King’s Health Partners and the University of Southampton in this instance, to apply academic research to a clinical setting. Southwest Pathology Services is one of just small group of laboratories undertaking this evaluation, and we are looking forward to delivering the results.
Following successful completion of February’s trial we hope to see the system rolled out for routine use, to allow it to make a big impact on the lives of patients everywhere.
Our work with iFAST Diagnostics on this evaluation is the culmination of many years of collaboration. I am so pleased to see their AST system on the cusp of becoming part of routine diagnostic processes, and am excited by the prospect of the impact this will have for patients.
Professor Dominic Harrington, Chief Scientific Officer
The collaboration between iFAST Diagnostics and SYNLAB aligns with our shared values of customer centred Excellence, Innovation and Improvement. We are truly excited to be part of this focus on life changing sepsis pathways, and the enabling of both earlier clinical intervention and appropriate antimicrobial therapies.
Allan Speirs, Service Delivery Manager, Southwest Pathology Services
iFAST are delighted to continue working in partnership with SYNLAB, introducing our innovative rapid AST process into pathology labs for evaluation and commercial trials. We are super-excited that we will soon be enabling clinicians to access results in under 3 hours, massively reducing the burden on the NHS, especially in increasingly critical areas such as sepsis and multi-drug-resistant infections.
Dr Toby King, CEO, iFAST Diagnostics
