I test point-of-care per patogeni respiratori non modificano la prescrizione di antibiotici nei bambini: i risultati di un RCT

Point-of-care testing for respiratory pathogens does not change antibiotic prescriptions in children: Findings of an RCT Rapid tests to be performed in the outpatient setting, also called point-of-care testing, are a diagnostic aid that promises improved accuracy in diagnosis and consequently in treatment. However, while there is undisputed validity for some tests, for others there is no evidence of efficacy for the goal of reducing inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions. The trial by Mattila et al., conducted on more than 400 children attending a pediatric emergency room in Finland for respiratory infectious diseases, finds no reduction in antibiotic prescriptions even after testing children for 18 viruses, as well as other similar studies have shown.