Rapid testing for bacterial infections is being rolled out in
community pharmacies and GP surgeries across Wales.
The two-year pilot project will provide near-immediate test
results without the need samples being sent to laboratories.
It is part of the Welsh Government's ongoing aim to make sure
more people can access healthcare closer to home, in local
communities and will help to target antibiotic prescribing,
tackling the problem of resistance.
The project makes use of diagnostic equipment originally
purchased during the pandemic, which has been upgraded and
repurposed to test for multiple bacterial infections in community
settings.
The project is being supported by £734,000 of Welsh Government
funding and £500,000 from the INEOS Oxford Institute for
Antimicrobial Research. Oxford University will be providing an
independent evaluation of the project.
The Point of Care Testing (POCT) in Primary Care pilot will focus
initially on C-Reactive Protein (CRP) testing, which helps
clinicians identify bacterial infections and make more informed
decisions about antibiotic prescribing.
More than 300 community pharmacies and GP practices in all seven
health board areas in Wales have expressed an interest in
participating in the trial, which also supports the global fight
against antimicrobial resistance, recognised by the World Health
Organisation as one of the leading threats to public health.
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care said: "This is a
unique opportunity for Wales to lead the way in embedding
high-quality diagnostic testing in primary and community care.
“By bringing testing closer to where people live, we can improve
health outcomes, reduce pressure on hospital services, and ensure
more appropriate use of antibiotics."
The partnership with Oxford University will provide rigorous,
independent evaluation of the trial's impact on antibiotic
prescribing, patient outcomes, and cost-effectiveness. The
research will also develop machine learning models to identify
patients at risk of adverse outcomes.
Professor John Geen, clinical lead for clinical
biochemistry and Point of Care testing services at Cwm Taf
Morgannwg University Health Board, said: “We are excited
to support this study and have been an early implementor of the
Lumira Dx device for the measurement of C-Reactive Protein in the
community.
“This project offers the opportunity to investigate clinical
decision making on the prescribing of antibiotics in patients
presenting with respiratory infections and the impact of
behavioural interventions, supported by diagnostic testing, in
general practice and community pharmacies.
“The study also has the potential to help us understand and
establish the logistics required for the provision of future
diagnostic testing in the community.”
Notes to editors
- Annette Thomas, National Clinical Lead for Point of Care
Testing in Wales, is available for interview to talk about the
pilot project. Contact ctm.news@wales.nhs.uk to
arrange
- Point of Care Testing (POCT) provides diagnostic results at
or near the site of patient care, eliminating delays associated
with laboratory testing.
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is released by the liver during
inflammatory responses and can indicate bacterial infection. POCT
CRP testing helps target antibiotic prescribing more accurately.
- Antimicrobial resistance was directly responsible for 1.27
million global deaths in 2019 and contributed to 4.95 million
deaths, according to World Health Organisation data.
- The Welsh Government originally purchased approximately 200
POCT devices during the COVID-19 pandemic. These have been
upgraded and will be repurposed for community diagnostic testing.
- The INEOS Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research is
funding the independent evaluation with £500,000 secured from UK
sources.
- All seven Welsh health boards are participating in the trial.
