Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a simple point-of-care test for urinary tract infections that uses a smartphone camera. The system can rapidly detect the presence of E. coli in urine samples and could guide doctors in their decision to prescribe antibiotics, ensuring appropriate patient care and avoiding the overuse of antimicrobial medication. It can sometimes be difficult for clinicians to know whether to prescribe antibiotics. Unnecessary use of antibiotics is resulting in antimicrobial resistance, which will pose significant challenges to healthcare in the coming years. However, if a patient has an infection, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), then antibiotics are undoubtedly warranted, but it can sometimes be difficult for a clinician to know for sure if a patient’s symptoms are caused by an infection. Read more.
Source: Medgadget, January 9, 2020