Effect of Strep A point-of-care testing in reducing antibiotic use in patients with acute sore throat infections

Name: Group A Streptococcus point-of-care testing Description: -ID NOW™ Strep A 2 is a rapid, instrument-based, molecular in vitro diagnostic test utilizing isothermal nucleic acid amplification technology for the qualitative detection of Streptococcus pyogenes, Group A Streptococcus bacterial nucleic acid in throat swab specimens obtained from patients with signs and symptoms of pharyngitis/sore throat. -It is comprised of a Sample Receiver, containing elution buffer, a Test Base, comprising two sealed reaction tubes, each containing a lyophilized pellet, a Transfer Cartridge for transfer of the eluted sample to the Test Base, and the ID NOW Instrument. The reaction tubes in the Test Base contain the reagents required for Group A Strep bacterial lysis and the subsequent amplification of the target nucleic acid and an internal control. To perform the assay, the Sample Receiver and Test Base are inserted into the ID NOW Instrument. The sample is added to the Sample Receiver and transferred via the Transfer Cartridge to the Test Base, initiating bacterial lysis and target amplification. Heating, mixing and detection are provided by the instrument, with results automatically reported. -Either a GP or a nurse will do the test for the eligible patients determined by GPs. -GP will discuss the test and outcomes with the patients. -The research team will train GPs and nurses about how to do the testing and share relevant information. - The duration of the once-off training will be for 30-40 minutes. - The mode of training will be face-to-face in-person training. - The training will occur two weeks before intervention commencement. -The anticipated time to complete a test is about 10 minutes. -The user manual of the test will be printed and placed near the test machine to follow the steps properly. In case any errors or issues are raised, test users will contact the researcher (Sajal Saha) to ensure adherence to test use. -The overall duration of the intervention period will be 4 months [ID NOW™ will be available to intervention GPs for four months]