Press release issued:
23 November 2022
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.
Every year, millions of people in the UK seek help for respiratory infections, such as coughs, colds, chest infections, sore throats and earaches. On average, GPs and nurses give antibiotics to half of these patients. This is more than is necessary because most respiratory infections are caused by viruses, including COVID-19, but antibiotics only work on bacteria. This is needlessly contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), but since clinicians don't always know who needs them, they are often given 'just in case'.
Manufacturers are developing same-day swab tests that can detect multiple viruses associated with respiratory infections in as little as 45 minutes – fast enough for clinicians to make same-day decisions about whether to prescribe antibiotics. A UK government review published in 2016 supports their use, seeing them as critical to improving antibiotic use.
RAPID-TEST is a large randomised controlled clinical trial that will investigate whether point-of-care tests really do reduce antibiotic prescribing in general practice, and how. The project is part of a long-standing collaboration between the University of Bristol and the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire NHS Integrated Care Board.
Read the full University of Bristol press release
Further information
Editorial: 'Point-of-care testing for respiratory infections during and after COVID-19' by Hannah Thornton, Tanzeela Khalid and Alastair D Hay in British Journal of General Practice (BJGP)
Listen to the BJGP podcast - a more in-depth discussion about the issues raised in the BJGP editorial with Professor Alastair Hay.
About the Centre for Academic Primary Care
The Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC) at the University of Bristol is a leading centre for primary care research in the UK, one of nine forming the NIHR School for Primary Care Research. It sits within Bristol Medical School, an internationally recognised centre of excellence for population health research and teaching.
Follow on Twitter: @capcbristol
About Bristol Trials Centre
Bristol Trials Centre (BTC) is a UKCRC-registered Clinical Trial Unit. We offer a wide range of expertise in trials methodology, study design, study management, statistical analyses and data management, including bespoke database design. It sits within Bristol Medical School, an internationally recognised centre of excellence for population health research and teaching.
Follow on Twitter: @BrsTrialsCentre
