Rapid blood test to 'cut antibiotic use'
Posted: 19 Mar 2015, 11:13Rapid blood test to 'cut antibiotic use'
By Smitha Mundasad Health reporter, BBC News
19 March 2015 Last updated at 02:19
A new blood test can help doctors tease out whether an infection is caused by a bacteria or a virus within two hours, research in Plos One suggests.
It could stop patients being given antibiotics when they are not needed, scientists say.
It is still at a laboratory stage but the team is working on a portable device too.
Independent experts say the work addresses a serious problem. Further studies are being carried out.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-31941538
By Smitha Mundasad Health reporter, BBC News
19 March 2015 Last updated at 02:19
A new blood test can help doctors tease out whether an infection is caused by a bacteria or a virus within two hours, research in Plos One suggests.
It could stop patients being given antibiotics when they are not needed, scientists say.
It is still at a laboratory stage but the team is working on a portable device too.
Independent experts say the work addresses a serious problem. Further studies are being carried out.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-31941538