Impact of point-of-care testing for Group A Streptococcus in the paediatric emergency department

Dr Alison Kemp and Dr Connie Foxhall, Warrington Hospital, provide insights into a retrospective audit evaluating the implementation of point-of-care testing for Group A Streptococcus in the paediatric emergency department. The discussion highlights the analysis of 82 children randomly selected between November 2023 and February 2024, focusing on antibiotic prescription rates, reattendance, and length of stay. The findings showed that children who received point-of-care testing had a significantly shorter average wait time (186 minutes) compared to those who did not (317 minutes). Antibiotic prescription rates were lower among tested children, supporting improved antimicrobial stewardship and reduced clinician bias in decision-making. Drs Kemp and Foxhall emphasise that point-of-care testing enhances patient care by lowering wait times, reducing unnecessary admissions and readmissions, and supporting timely, evidence-based treatment. This interview took place at the RCPCH conference 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland.