Infection tests at GPs to be trialled

Rapid tests to check whether infections are caused by bacteria or viruses – and whether they need antibiotics – are to be trialled in GP surgeries.

The trial, led by Bristol University, will investigate whether testing patients at the point they turn up with symptoms of a respiratory infection could cut the number of antibiotic prescriptions given out.

The swab tests can detect multiple viruses and some bacteria.

Medics can sometimes give out antibiotics unnecessarily because it is not clear whether an infection is caused by bacteria (which antibiotics can treat) or viruses (for which they are ineffective). The new trial hopes to overcome this by giving rapid results so prescriptions can be given more accurately.

Global health chiefs are determined to slow down the rise in antimicrobial resistance, which is partfuelled by unnecessary use of antibiotics.