C-reactive protein point of care testing in community pharmacy: Observational study of a Northern Ireland pilot

Whether or not to prescribe an antibiotic is a key issue for clinicians treating respiratory tract infection (RTI) in the community. Measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP) in community pharmacy may help to differentiate viral and self-limiting infections from more serious bacterial infections. To pilot POC CRP testing for suspected RTI within community pharmacy in Northern Ireland (NI). POC CRP testing was piloted in 17 community pharmacies linked to 9 general practitioner (GP) practices in NI. The service was available to adults presenting to their community pharmacy with signs and symptoms of RTI. The pilot (between October 2019 and March 2020) was stopped early due to Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19). During the pilot period, 328 patients from 9 GP practices completed a consultation. The majority (60%) were referred to the pharmacy from their GP and presented with