Antimicrobial resistance is a major problem in 21st-century medicine, the unwarranted treatment of infant pharyngitis being just one contributing factor. This has now been addressed using a lateral-flow immunochromatographic cassette test.
The UK government recently announced an initiative to provide a rapid test in pharmacies to determine whether or not patients presenting with sore throats have a bacterial infection (Strep sore throat) requiring antibiotic treatment.1 The accident and emergency (A&E) department at Birmingham Children’s Hospital has already been using this type of test for some months and has succeeded in achieving a dramatic reduction in antibiotic prescription. This article looks at how this has been done, and the benefits to patients and the hospital that have been achieved.
Birmingham Children’s Hospital
Birmingham Children’s Hospital (BCH) is a leading UK specialist paediatric centre, offering expert care annually to 90,000 children and young people from across the country. Providing the highest quality treatment and care to young patients, supporting their loved ones and advancing medical innovation has been the driving force behind the hospital since first opening its doors in 1862.
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