International trial finds rapid diagnostic testing alone does not reduce antibiotic prescribing for respiratory infections

Two international studies, a clinical trial led by the University of Oxford and University of Utrecht, and a qualitative study led by the University of Oxford and University of Antwerp, report that point-of-care diagnostic testing, when used alone is unlikely to reduce antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract infections in primary care. The findings indicate that testing must be embedded within broader antimicrobial stewardship strategies to be effective.