Affiliations 

  • 1 Infectious Diseases Division, Thammasat University Hospital, Pathum Thani, Thailand
  • 2 Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
  • 3 Infectious Diseases & Clinical Microbiology, Chelsea & Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
  • 4 State Key Lab for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, 1st Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
  • 5 Hospital Administration and Medical Services, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita University, Ponekkara, Kochi, Kerala, India
  • 6 School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
  • 7 Pharmacy Department, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
  • 8 Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • 9 Shanghai JiaoTong University Affiliated Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
  • 10 Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
  • 11 Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
  • 12 Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol, 2021 07;42(7):864-868.
PMID: 34128462 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2021.149

Abstract

Rapid diagnostic testing (RDT) can provide prompt, accurate identification of infectious organisms and be a key component of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs. However, their use is less widespread in Asia Pacific than western countries. Cost can be prohibitive, particularly in less resource-replete settings. A selective approach is required, possibly focusing on the initiation of antimicrobials, for differentiating bacterial versus viral infections and identifying locally relevant tropical diseases. Across Asia Pacific, more data are needed on RDT use within AMS, focusing on the impact on antimicrobial usage, patient morbidity and mortality, and cost effectiveness. Moreover, in the absence of formal guidelines, regional consensus statements to guide clinical practice are warranted. These will provide a regionally relevant definition for RDT; greater consensus on its role in managing infections; advice on implementation and overcoming barriers; and guidance on optimizing human resource capacity. By addressing these issues, the outcomes of AMS programs should improve.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.