The RAPID-TEST study: respiratory point-of-care tests in primary care
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The RAPID-TEST study: Novel upper respiratory tract microbiological point-of-care diagnostics in people presenting to primary care with acute respiratory tract infection: a quantitative and qualitative feasibility study
IRAS ID
246501
Contact name
Alastair D Hay
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bristol
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Every year, millions of people visit general practitioners (GPs) with coughs, colds, and throat, ear and chest infections. GPs give antibiotics to lots of people they see with these infections, to try to stop them getting sicker, but antibiotics only help a small number of people. The problem is knowing who these people are.
Unfortunately, using lots of antibiotics eventually makes antibiotics stop working. So, it is important antibiotics are only used where we are sure they will work.
Respiratory infections are caused by germs infecting the airways. Antibiotics only work if infections are caused by a type of germ called bacteria, but most infections are caused by other germs called viruses. It would help if GPs could tell which infections are caused by bacteria.
Machines are being developed which could help GPs. These ‘point-of-care’ tests use samples of mucous and saliva from the nose and back of the throat and give results quickly, allowing GPs to see if viruses and/or bacteria are present.
This study will involve GP practices being given one such machine, called 'FilmArray' for two months. 'FilmArray' has been developed, validated and CE marked for the purpose of detecting respiratory germs by an established company called Biomerieux (see www.biomerieux.com). We will ask GPs and nurses looking after patients with respiratory infections to invite them to take part, and see if using the test changes treatment, how it the test fits into the flow of appointments, and what other information they need to use them. This study is necessary because these tests have never been used by GPs before.
Results from this feasibility study will help us design a large GP study of point-of-care tests for respiratory infections, which will tell us if these new tests could help the NHS safely reduce antibiotic use.
REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/SW/0203
Date of REC Opinion
14 Nov 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion