Rapid diagnostics are tests that provide results within minutes or hours, rather than the days required for traditional laboratory cultures. These tools are essential for managing outbreaks, as they allow clinicians to quickly identify infected individuals and begin treatment or isolation protocols to prevent further spread of the disease.
At the point of care, rapid tests for influenza, strep throat, and COVID-19 have become standard. By providing an immediate answer, these tests help prevent the unnecessary prescription of antibiotics for viral infections, which is a key component of the global effort to combat antibiotic resistance.
The technology behind rapid diagnostics is diverse, ranging from simple lateral flow assays—similar to a pregnancy test—to portable molecular devices that perform polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. In the case of sepsis, where every hour without treatment increases the risk of mortality, rapid blood tests that can identify both the pathogen and its resistance profile…