New trial to assess whether rapid tests reduce antibiotic prescribing for respiratory infections in primary care

A new randomised controlled clinical trial, led by the University of Bristol, will investigate whether rapid microbiological 'point-of-care' tests for respiratory infections could reduce antibiotic prescribing in primary care, thanks to funding of £ 1.6 million by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The tests, which are carried out in GP surgeries rather than sent to a laboratory, detect the presence of viruses and some bacteria, with results available on the same day.
Source: University of Bristol news - Category: Universities & Medical Training Tags: Health, Grants and Awards, Research; Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Population Health Sciences, Institutes, Institutes, Bristol Population Health Science Institute; Press Release Source Type: news