ASPIRE I: Supporting Antibiotic Stewardship in Primary Care Via POCT

The ASPIRE study is an uncontrolled observational feasibility study, and a collaboration between the University of South Wales and Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (CTMUHB). The study is based at Ysbyty Cwm Rhondda (YCR) and Keir Hardy Primary Care (KHPC) centres, where participant recruitment will take place. Study participants will be invited to provide capillary blood samples (via finger prick sampling) for testing. The principal investigators are Dr Aled Davies at YCR and Dr Shyama Velupillai at KHPC. Upon clinical assessment, and after provision of consent, participants will undergo an ARI (acute respiratory infection) POC assay. This is a dual marker immunoassay designed to detect raised levels of C-reactive protein and MxA in capillary blood. The assay uses the sensitivity of CRP and specify of MxA to aid in the differentiation of ARI's in Primary Care. The POC assay results will be compared to the participants clinical outcomes and the physician directed treatment pathway via reviewing medical records and by contacting the patient from 14 days after their visit.