Four new UTI tests have the potential to produce results in under an hour and could be carried out by professionals in primary and community care settings, a NICE committee revealed.
The tests’ developers claim that they can detect bacteria in a urine sample in less than 40 minutes.
As well as, one even being able to test which antibiotics are most appropriate to treat the infection.
They are called the Astrego system, Lodestar DX, Uriscreen and UTRiPLEX.
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NICE draft guidance has called for further research to be carried out to establish the accuracy of these tests and how much they affect decisions about antibiotic prescribing.
Mark Chapman, interim director of medical technology and digital evaluation at NICE, spoke about the need for new tests that can identify infection more accurately.
‘Our Early Value Assessment project has identified that these four tests could help meet that need.
‘Soon we expect to have a fuller and more detailed picture of the tests’ accuracy and potential benefits and will be able to make a further recommendation on their use in the NHS.’
If the tests are proven to be beneficial they could be rolled out in the NHS to help improve antimicrobial prescribing.
‘We know that reducing antimicrobial resistance is a top priority for healthcare systems around the globe and NICE has a part to play in this mission,’ said Chapman.
UTI’s are one of the most common conditions presenting in primary care with Acute UTI occurring in nearly half of women.
Once further data is available on the potential risks and benefits of using these tests the committee will decide if they can be recommended for early access in the NHS.