Interpretive lab comments to guide antibiotic use in bacterial gastroenteritis
Official title: Antimicrobial Stewardship Effects of Interpretive Comments for Faecal PCR Tests
Run by Medical Research Institute of New Zealand · NCT07701135 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A cluster-randomised crossover study tests whether adding interpretive comments to faecal PCR test reports reduces unnecessary antibiotic use for common bacterial gastroenteritis in community patients.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Months and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 10000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Medical Research Institute of New Zealand Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Auckland and 3 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 2, 2026 |
| Main results expected | September 17, 2027 |
| Study ends | September 17, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 14, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07701135 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children over six months and adults with a stool sample tested for common enteric bacteria at participating Awanui Labs.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients managed by clinicians who do not rely on lab reports for prescribing decisions may derive little to no benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Four Awanui Labs will cycle through four reporting approaches over 12 months, adding interpretive comments to positive faecal pathogen PCR results. The comments range from a basic reminder against routine antibiotics to combined notes about antimicrobial resistance and individual-side harms. Labs operate as clusters and will switch interventions every three months in a randomized order. The study uses a pragmatic design to assess whether reporting language can influence prescribing behavior in real-world care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could reduce inappropriate antibiotic use for acute bacterial gastroenteritis and help combat antimicrobial resistance.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests that reporting changes can influence prescribing in some settings, but this approach is novel for faecal PCR results in New Zealand.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age over six months * Stool sample submitted to Awanui Labs for faecal bacterial pathogen testing from a community health provider during the study period * Test results report the detection of: Campylobacter spp, Shigella spp/Entero-invasive Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp, Yersinia spp, or Aeromonas spp. Exclusion Criteria: * Samples where only Clostridioides difficile or Helicobacter pylori testing has been requested will be excluded * Samples sent for Public Health testing (e.g. testing for clearance of Salmonella spp) will be excluded.
Where it's running
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Awanui Labs Auckland
Auckland, New Zealand Recruiting -
Awanui Labs Christchurch
Christchurch, New Zealand Recruiting -
Awanui Labs Dunedin
Dunedin, New Zealand Recruiting -
Awanui Labs Wellington
Wellington, New Zealand Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Max Bloomfield, MBChB
- Email: maxim.bloomfield@ccdhb.org.nz
- Phone: +64272089584
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.