Rapid diagnosis of viral infections to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use in the emergency department
[BFD-RST-23-004] Rapid Diagnosis of Viral Acute Respiratory Infection to Decrease Unnecessary Antibiotic Utilization in the Emergency Department (RADIATE)
This study is testing a quick test for viral infections in the emergency department to see if it can help reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for patients with respiratory symptoms.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | George Washington University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Washington, District of Columbia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06271655 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of a rapid diagnostic approach to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for patients presenting with acute respiratory infections in the emergency department. Eligible participants will undergo a rapid point-of-care multiplex PCR test to identify the viral cause of their symptoms. The study aims to provide healthcare professionals with timely and accurate information to guide treatment decisions, ultimately decreasing inappropriate antibiotic utilization. The trial will be conducted at a single center, with samples collected via nasopharyngeal swabs and results available in approximately 15 minutes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old with clinical suspicion of an acute respiratory infection and at least one related symptom.
Not a fit: Patients with severe conditions requiring immediate antibiotic treatment or those with chronic respiratory symptoms may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, helping to combat antibiotic resistance and improve patient care.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using rapid diagnostic tests to guide antibiotic use, indicating that this approach is both relevant and potentially effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Over the age of 18 * Clinical suspicion of an acute respiratory infection by an emergency department provider * Patient endorses at least ONE symptom of respiratory illness including: cough, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, headaches, muscle aches, trouble breathing, shortness of breath, fever * Patient reports symptoms lasting less than 14 days (i.e., no chronic symptoms) * Patient able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Patient is a prisoner or ward of state * Patients that will get antibiotics regardless of of the results of the test (e.g. sepsis, hypoxia, shock, lobar pneumonia, altered mental status, meningitis, pyelonephritis, appendicitis or related, high clinical severity not otherwise specified * Patients who have tested positive for C. diff in the last 60 days * Patients who are hospitalized from the emergency department * Patients that have an oxygen saturation lower than 95% at triage * Altered mental status
Where this trial is running
Washington, District of Columbia
- George Washington University Hospital — Washington, District of Columbia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Christopher Payette, MD — George Washington University
- Study coordinator: Christopher Payette, MD
- Email: cpayette@mfa.gwu.edu
- Phone: 2027412952
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.