Using machine learning to improve blood culture testing in emergency departments
Appropriate Use of Blood Cultures in the Emergency Department Through Machine Learning: a Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing whether a new machine learning tool can help doctors in the emergency department decide when blood tests are really needed for adult patients, to see if it can reduce unnecessary tests while keeping patients safe.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 7584 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Amsterdam) |
| Trial ID | NCT06163781 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of a machine learning tool designed to predict the necessity of blood culture analyses in adult patients presenting to the emergency department. The study compares outcomes between patients who receive standard blood culture testing and those whose testing is guided by the prediction tool. Key outcomes include 30-day mortality, hospital admission rates, in-hospital mortality, and length of hospital stay. The goal is to determine if the tool can reduce unnecessary blood cultures while maintaining patient safety.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who present to the emergency department with a clinical indication for blood culture analysis.
Not a fit: Patients with central venous lines, recent candidemia or S. aureus bacteremia, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more efficient use of blood cultures, reducing unnecessary procedures and improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using machine learning for clinical decision-making, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age \>= 18 years * Have a clinical indication for a blood culture analysis (according to the treating physician) * Have sufficient data recorded (laboratory results and vital sign measurements) for a prediction to be made (at least 20% of the needed parameters) Exclusion Criteria: * Central Venous Line (CVL) or Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) in situ * Neutrophil count \< 0.5 \* 109/L * Candidemia or S. aureus bacteraemia in the past 3 months. * Most likely diagnosis of endocarditis/spondylodiscitis/infected prosthetic material * Pregnant or breastfeeding patients * Not capable of giving informed consent
Where this trial is running
Amsterdam
- Amsterdam UMC - location AMC — Amsterdam, Netherlands (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Prabath WB Nanayakkara, MD, PhD
- Email: p.nanayakkara@amsterdamumc.nl
- Phone: +31204444444
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.