Summaries of Must-Read Clinical Literature, Guidelines, and FDA Actions

Rapid Point of Care Test for Influenza

J Am Board Fam Med; 2019 Mar; Dale, et al

Publish date:: April 9, 2019

In a cohort of 300 university students, the use of a rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for influenza did not significantly improve the likelihood of guideline consistent care. Students presented with cough and 1 influenza-like illness symptom at a university health clinic to receive care guided by a PCR test. Of the 300 patients receiving the PCR test, 264 had complete medical records and were compared to 771 who received usual care. Researchers found:

Logistic regression found that the odds of receiving guideline supported care did not significantly increase for patients receiving PCR guided care.
It significantly decreased the likelihood of an antibiotic prescription.
It also decreased the likelihood of return visits within 2 weeks.

Citation:

Dale AP, Ebell M, McKay B, Handel A, Forehand R, Dobbin K. Impact of a rapid point of care test for influenza on guideline consistent care and antibiotic use. J Am Board Fam Med. 2019;32(2):226-233. doi:10.3122/jabfm.2019.02.180183.

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