Point-of-care testing may prove to be one of the most convenient medical strategies to address certain health conditions. Because upper respiratory ailments are common nowadays, a fast rapid molecular test is very much welcome. Instead of waiting for days, the new strategy can deliver results for as fast as few hours.
The point-of-care testing was developed by Dr. Tristan Clark of the University of Southampton Biomedical Research Center. The strategy includes deployment of portable devices that are capable of processing swabs, according to Science Daily. This eliminates the need to send swabs to the laboratory and painstakingly wait for results.
Clark deployed and trialed the point-of-care testing in 720 patients with respiratory illness. The common medical cases of these patients are pneumonia, asthma, and other pulmonary diseases. The point-of-care testing proved to the fastest strategy where doctors analyze the result from swab tests. A prescription can immediately be issued to the patient.
Another advantage of point-of-care testing is the prompt isolation of patients who suffer from flu. Not only that antiviral medication can be done the soonest possible time, but a possible spread of flu was averted. Clark also stressed that point-of-care testing is better than standard care in terms of accuracy and administration of correct treatment.
Meanwhile, Clark said that he dreams of a future where hospitals are going to employ the point-of-care test as soon as the patient comes in. The virus that affects the patient can be detected the soonest time, the Medical Xpress said. If they have the flu, point-of-care testing can detect it and they can be isolated in a side room without delay.
Clark called the point-of-care testing as "tailored and personalized" medical care. This strategy also plays an important role in addressing the cases where patients suffer from antibiotic resistance. A precedent to the effectivity of the strategy was the winter of 2015 when lots of patients complained of respiratory ailments. Doctors later found out an influenza strain not covered by regular vaccine.
