MolecuLight i:X for wound imaging

The technology described in this briefing is MolecuLight i:X. It is for imaging wounds to identify fluorescent bacteria.

The innovative aspects claimed by the company are that this is the only point-of-care, handheld device able to visualise fluorescent bacteria and measure wound surface area (with the MolecuLight WoundStickers add on).

The intended place in therapy would be in addition to current standard of care in people with any type of acute or chronic wounds.

The main points from the evidence summarised in this briefing are from 7 observational studies including 177 adults and 10 children in secondary care and outpatient settings. They show that MolecuLight i:X can detect wound bacteria at a comparable level to microbiology swabs.

Key uncertainties around the evidence or technology are that there is limited evidence to show whether MolecuLight i:X reduces wound closure time or improves antibiotic stewardship.

The cost of MolecuLight i:X is £7,500 per unit (excluding VAT). The resource impact would be in addition to standard care, the cost of which ranges from £698 to £5,976 per person depending on the types of wound. This could be offset if there are patient benefits such as reduced closure time of chronic wounds. There is no published evidence to support these claims.