Dr. Colm Henry:

There are two issues, and I will ask my colleagues to comment. There are critical tests to be taken of course; one is a blood lactate, which is part of our actions, and the second is isolation of the organism. However, it is very clear in the sepsis 6 and in the education module that action needs to be taken, not necessarily waiting for the results of tests. It goes back to what Dr. O'Dwyer said, there is no single test. It is based on a high index of suspicion clinically. People should know, and certainly it is part of training even going back to my day as a new doctor, to act when you suspect rather than wait for tests. Availability of tests is important particularly microbiology laboratories but acting before getting the results based on clinical suspicion is probably more important.