Effect of Point-of-Care Testing for Respiratory Pathogens on Antibiotic Use in Children

Does point-of-care testing for respiratory pathogens reduce antibiotic use in acutely ill children?

Limited data are available on the clinical impact of multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) point-of-care testing for respiratory pathogens in acutely ill children. 

In this randomized clinical trial, point-of-care testing for respiratory pathogens did not reduce the use of antibiotics at the pediatric ED. Testing for respiratory pathogens appears to have a limited impact on clinical decision-making for acutely ill children.