Volta
How to identify respiratory pathogens in primary health care - a review on the benefits, prospects and pitfalls in using point of care tests
PURPOSE: Respiratory tract infections are among the most common reasons for consultations in primary health care (PHC) settings. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of diagnostic tests for selected respiratory pathogens useful in PHC. METHODS: We performed a PubMed search on diagnostic tests for influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Streptococcus pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Bordetella pertussis. We then selected and summarized clinical trials, meta-analyses and systematic reviews published between May 1994 and April 2025 relevant to PHC. RESULTS: Diagnostic tests are useful if the test result will guide subsequent clinical management. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests have high diagnostic accuracy but are not always available in …