Rapid Respiratory Microbiological Point-of-Care Testing and Antibiotic Use in Primary Care: A Randomized - Summary - MDSpire

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

  • By

  • Alastair D. Hay

  • Samantha Abbs

  • Matthew Ridd

  • Stephen Granier

  • J. Athene Lane

  • Peter Muir

  • Jodi Taylor

  • Grace Young

  • Kathy Eastwood

  • Hayley Dash

  • Lynne Bradshaw

  • Rebecca Clarke

  • Mandy Lui

  • Emma Bridgeman

  • Rachel C. M. Brierley

  • Emily Brown

  • Hannah V. Thornton

  • Paul M. Mitchell

  • Liang Zhu

  • Lucy Yardley

  • Chris Metcalfe

  • July 1, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy of a multiplex rapid microbiological point-of-care test (RM-POCT) in reducing same-day antibiotic prescribing for respiratory infections in primary care.

Approach:
  • Study Design: A controlled, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial conducted at 16 general practices in Southwest England.
  • Participants: Patients aged at least 12 months presenting with a clinician-diagnosed respiratory tract infection (RTI) within 21 days of onset.
  • Intervention: Participants were randomized to receive either RM-POCT results or usual care without RM-POCT before antibiotic treatment decisions.
  • Outcome Measures: Primary outcomes included antibiotic prescribing and patient-reported symptom severity on days 2 to 4 post-consultation.
Key Findings:
  • The study protocol received ethical approval and adhered to CONSORT guidelines.
  • Participants completed symptom diaries for up to 28 days and provided nasal and throat swabs for testing.
  • The RM-POCT tested for 23 respiratory microbes, including 19 viruses and 4 atypical bacteria.
Interpretation:

The study aims to investigate the role of RM-POCTs in antibiotic stewardship for respiratory infections.

Limitations:
  • Evidence for RM-POCT use in primary care is currently sparse, particularly for PCR-based testing.
  • Potential increase in demand for primary care appointments due to RM-POCT availability.
Conclusion:

This trial represents an important step in evaluating the impact of RM-POCT on antibiotic prescribing practices in primary care settings.

Original Source(s)

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

  • by Alastair D. Hay, Samantha Abbs, Matthew Ridd, Stephen Granier, J. Athene Lane, Peter Muir, Jodi Taylor, Grace Young, Kathy Eastwood, Hayley Dash, Lynne Bradshaw, Rebecca Clarke, Mandy Lui, Emma Bridgeman, Rachel C. M. Brierley, Emily Brown, Hannah V. Thornton, Paul M. Mitchell, Liang Zhu, Lucy Yardley, Chris Metcalfe

  • July 1, 2026

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