Using rapid tests for Strep A can reduce antibiotic prescription rate by 25%

Sore throat (acute pharyngitis) is one of the most common reasons for primary care visits. 50–70% of the patients are treated with antibiotics even though it is very often caused by viruses. Group A streptococcus, Strep A, is the most typical bacterial species causing sore throat.

Adding Strep A rapid testing to decision making in primary care was shown to reduce the number of antibiotic prescriptions by 25% in a Cochrane review by Cohen et al. Point of care Strep A testing is one tool for primary care to reduce antibiotic prescription rate and further antimicrobial resistance.

Read the whole review: Efficacy and safety of rapid tests to guide antibiotic prescriptions for sore throat

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