Blood test could avoid inappropriate use of antibiotics for respiratory infections (pp 600) A rapid blood test to help distinguish between bacterial and other (predominantly viral) infections could substantially reduce the inappropriate use of antibiotics for common infections, conclude authors of a study in this week's issue of THE LANCET. Lower respiratory tract infections are often treated with antibiotics-even though there is often... view more... (2004-02-18)
Biomarker reduces length of antibiotic treatment For hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), lower measurements of procalcitonin, a biomarker of infection, can reduce the length of antibiotic treatment by an average of seven days. view more (2006-06-30)
New test could help catch serious infections in babies A simple blood test may help detect serious bacterial infections (SBIs) like urinary tract infections and blood stream infections in young infants who come to the emergency department (ED) with fevers that have no clear cause. view more (2008-10-06)
Customized treatments for sepsis lower treatment time and reduce length of ICU stays Using a blood test and a decision algorithm, rather than standard hospital protocols, to determine the appropriate length of antibiotic therapy in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock can reduce duration of treatments, shorten ICU stays, and lower hospital costs- all without adverse effects on patients, according to new research. view more (2008-02-29)
