A test for viral infections that could reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and hospital admissions was demonstrated to European Respiratory Society. The procedure, known as point of care respiratory viral testing (POCT), was trialed in England. The test is performed by inserting a swab into the patient’s nostril to collect a sample of secretions. The sample is inserted into a compact machine called a FilmArray, which analyzes the sample and generates a printout. The researchers say the test, which takes just 50 minutes to obtain results, could save hospitals about $3,400 for each patient not admitted to hospital and would relieve winter pressures on available beds. The test could also reduce the development of antibiotic resistance by reducing the amount of antibiotics prescribed.
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