Bloodstream infections are a leading cause of death and mortality in hospitalised patients, especially those receiving immunosuppressive treatments - e.g. for blood cancers, HIV, etc. Here we collaborated with groups at QIMR and UQ to develop a multiplexed bead-based PCR test that distinguishes between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in under 3 hrs. Such assays could help clinicians make informed treatment decisions when patients so signs of potential infections, reducing the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.