How are rapid diagnostic tests for infectious diseases used in clinical practice: a global survey by the International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (ISAC)

Stephen Poole, Jennifer Townsend, Heiman Wertheim, Stephen P. Kidd, Tobias Welte, Philipp Schuetz, Charles Edouard Luyt, Albertus Beishuizen, Jens Ulrik Stæhr Jensen, Juan González del Castillo, Mario Plebani, Kordo Saeed

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Novel rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) offer huge potential to optimise clinical care and improve patient outcomes. In this study, we aim to assess the current patterns of use around the world, identify issues for successful implementation and suggest best practice advice on how to introduce new tests. An electronic survey was devised by the International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (ISAC) Rapid Diagnostics and Biomarkers working group focussing on the availability, structure and impact of RDTs around the world. It was circulated to ISAC members in December 2019. Results were collated according to the UN human development index (HDI). 81 responses were gathered from 31 different countries. 84% of institutions reported the availability of any test 24/7. In more developed countries, this was more for respiratory viruses, whereas in high and medium/low developed countries, it was for HIV and viral hepatitis. Only 37% of those carrying out rapid tests measured the impact. There is no ‘one-size fits all’ solution to RDTs: the requirements must be tailored to the healthcare setting in which they are deployed and there are many factors that should be considered prior to this.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)429-434
Number of pages6
JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Volume40
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2021

Keywords

  • Clinical governance
  • Infection
  • Microbiology
  • POCT
  • Point of care
  • Rapid diagnosis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

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