Cost-effectiveness of point-of-care diagnostics for AMR: a systematic review 

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health threat, with a projected 10 million deaths and annual cost of $100 trillion USD by 2050. Point-of-care tests (POCTs) may be a cost-effective approach to reduce AMR. A systematic review of 1421 studies identified eighteen strategies that reduced antimicrobial prescribing, with 10 being considered cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of £33.80 per antibiotic prescription avoided. Most POCT strategies improved clinical outcomes, while the remainder were clinically neutral. The study concludes that some POCTs are cost-effective in reducing AMR, with potential clinical benefits. Interventions, particularly CRP POCTs in high- and low-income settings, merit further, large-scale clinical evaluation.