Supporting Antimicrobial Stewardship Using Point of Care CRP Testing

The World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, held from November 18 to 24, 2022, calls attention to the high priority global issue1,2 of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). There is a direct relationship between the prescribing of antimicrobials and the development of AMR3, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death4. Tackling AMR requires a multi-faceted approach and research has shown how incorporating CRP (C-reactive protein) testing into clinical practice may help to limit antibiotic use to only those patients with severe bacterial infections and thereby support antimicrobial stewardship. In this webinar, featured speaker Dr. Rogier Hopstaken, a GP from the Netherlands whose work and research drove the implementation of CRP point of care testing (POCT) in the country, will discuss how implementing CRP testing at the point of care has the potential to curb the problem of AMR and help change antibiotic prescribing behaviours in primary care settings. Rogier will review international experiences, barriers to implementation and provide recommendations for next steps. Along with David Barber, Advanced Practitioner, LHCH Knowsley Community Repiratory Service; LumiraDx Medical Director Matt Fay, and Associate Director in Medical Affairs Lucy Lehane, they will review case studies and explore the benefits of portable CRP testing with patients in community settings using the LumiraDx Platform technology at the point of care.