Observational studies have suggested that rapid viral testing for respiratory viruses is tied to lower use of antibiotics. Now, a meta-analysis published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that may not be the case, based on results from 11 randomized clinical trials involving about 6100 participants.
Although testing routinely for respiratory viruses in emergency departments (EDs) was linked with less use of chest x-rays and blood tests as well as increased use of antiviral medications for influenza infections, the changes were small. Rapid viral tests were tied to a 3% to 4% absolute decrease in use of chest x-rays and blood tests, respectively, as well as a 1% absolute increase in influenza antivirals.
But the researchers found no association between rapid tests and overall antibiotic use, lengths of stay in the ED, and hospitalizations. The findings suggest that the benefits of routine rapid viral testing are “limited” in the ED and should be reserved for patients whose treatment will change based on the test results, the researchers noted.
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