Rapid Respiratory Microbiological Point-of-Care Testing and Antibiotic Use in Primary Care

Can a rapid multiplex microbiological point-of-care test (RM-POCT) safely reduce antibiotic prescribing for respiratory infections in primary care?In this randomized clinical trial that included 552 patients assigned to RM-POCT use or usual care, there was no difference in the proportion prescribed same-day antibiotics. Subgroup analyses showed differentially reduced antibiotic prescribing in patients with chronic lung disease and from whom a virus was detected; there was no difference in symptom severity for days 2 to 4.This randomized clinical trial found that use of an RM-POCT did not reduce same-day antibiotic prescribing or worsen symptom severity on days 2 to 4 in patients with respiratory infections in primary care.

Corresponding Author: Alastair D. Hay, MD, Center for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, 39 Whatley Rd, Bristol, Avon BS8 2PS, United Kingdom (alastair.hay@bristol.ac.uk).

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