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NIHR Be Part of Research | SPCR RAPID IMMUNE TEST study

As part of this year’s NIHR Be Part of Research campaign, 20 May to 12 June, Andrew Turner and Emily Brown from the University of Bristol shares details of her SPCR-funded research involving participants.

NIHR Be Part of Research | SPCR RAPID IMMUNE TEST study
The RAPID IMMUNE TEST study (SPCR project no. 720) is investigating whether FebriDx, a rapid finger-prick point of care test, can be used effectively in GP surgeries to help identify whether upper respiratory tract infections are viral or bacterial. The study is investigating whether the FebriDx test is practical and acceptable in routine primary care, how it influences clinical decisions, and how accurately it distinguishes between types of infection. The aim is to support more appropriate antibiotic prescribing, as antibiotics are ineffective against viruses and overuse contributes to antimicrobial resistance.

Members of the public have been involved from the early stages of the study, helping to shape its design and materials. We continue to work with our public involvement group to review study progress and results.

Recruitment for the study began in December 2024 and reached its target of over 230 participants by the end of April 2025. The study is being conducted across nine general practices in the South West of England. To support inclusion of underrepresented groups, several of these sites are Deep End practices. (Those serving communities with high levels of socioeconomic deprivation.)

In addition, the study is being conducted in two community pharmacies taking part in the NHS Pharmacy First scheme. (Pharmacy First allows pharmacists to supply treatment for common conditions without the need for a GP appointment, making it a convenient and accessible setting to potentially use the FebriDx point-of-care test.) Working with Deep End practices and Pharmacy First sites is helping us engage a wide range of patients and communities, making the research more inclusive and relevant to everyday care.

More information about the RAPID IMMUNE TEST study is available on the study website.

 

NIHR Be Part of Research

Every time someone receives treatment for a health condition, it's because of the many people who take part in health and care research.

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