Rational and expanded use of rapid diagnostic tests for respiratory infections in primary care

Carmen Rosa Rodríguez Fernández-Oliva^a, M.ª Ángeles Carrasco Azcona^b, Cinta Valldepérez Baiges^c, M.ª Inmaculada Correa Ruiz^d, Grupo de Vías Respiratorias (GVR)^e

^aNeumopediatra. Hospital Quirónsalud Tenerife. Santa Cruz de Tenerife. España.
^bPediatra. Consultorio de Sevilla la Nueva. Madrid. España.
^cEAPT Alt Penedès-Garraf. Barcelona. España.
^dPediatra. Clínica Universal. La Línea de la Concepción. Cádiz. España.
^eAsociación Española de Pediatría de Atención Primaria (AEPap).

Correspondence: C Valldepérez. E-mail: cvalldeperez@gmail.com

Reference of this article: Rodríguez Fernández-Oliva CR, Carrasco Azcona MA, Valldepérez Baiges C, Correa Ruiz MI, Grupo de Vías Respiratorias (GVR). Rational and expanded use of rapid diagnostic tests for respiratory infections in primary care . Rev Pediatr Aten Primaria. 2025;27:193-7. https://doi.org/10.60147/3bbbc60f

Published in Internet: 24-06-2025 - Visits: 565

Abstract

Respiratory infections are among the leading reasons for primary care (PC) visits, especially in pediatrics, and are also a frequent reason for antibiotic prescribing. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) facilitate the early detection of common pathogens, optimizing clinical decision-making, reducing the need of other diagnostic tests, shortening diagnostic delay and improving patient safety, in addition to contributing to a more prudent and rational use of antimicrobials.

We summarize the indications for the most widely used RDTs in pediatric PC: influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, Bordetella pertussis and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Emphasis is placed on the importance of taking into account seasonal prevalence in the interpretation of results. The aim of this document is to guide the effective integration of RDTs in primary care pediatric practice and to support evidence-based clinical decision-making.

Keywords

● Antibiotics ● Early diagnosis ● Rapid diagnostic test ● Respiratory infections

Note:

Este texto corresponde a una versión abreviada y autorizada del texto original publicado en septiembre de 2024 en la web del Grupo de Vías Respiratorias, donde puede accederse al texto completo y las referencias bibliográficas.