Better Use of Rapid Tests for Infections
Optimizing Implementation of Multiplex Molecular Panel Testing to Reduce Diagnostic Error
This project aims to help doctors use rapid infection tests more effectively to ensure patients get the right treatment and avoid unnecessary antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11123238 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
When you have a cough or stomach bug, doctors often prescribe antibiotics, but these aren't always needed, especially for viral infections. New rapid tests can quickly identify many germs, but sometimes they give confusing results, leading to unnecessary antibiotic use. This project looks at how these rapid tests are currently used in many hospitals to understand when they are most helpful for patients. We then plan to create tools within electronic health records to guide doctors toward the best testing practices, helping to reduce misdiagnosis and improve patient safety.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who receive rapid molecular panel tests for respiratory or gastrointestinal infections in acute care settings are the focus of this research.
Not a fit: Patients who do not receive rapid molecular panel testing for infections would not directly benefit from this specific improvement in testing practices.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more accurate diagnoses, fewer unnecessary antibiotics, and better overall care for patients with common infections.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of diagnostic stewardship is emerging, this specific approach to designing interventions based on real-world outcomes from multiplex panel testing addresses a gap in current literature.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baghdadi, Jonathan — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Baghdadi, Jonathan
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.