Impact on PCT+ FilmArray RP2 Plus Use in LRTI Suspicion in Emergency Department

In the emergency room a nasopharyngeal swab sample will be collected from subjects with a suspected LRTI for the FilmArray respiratory panel assay plus a blood sample for the PCT assay if the PCT measurement has not been already prescribed.

The FilmArray® Respiratory Panel 2 plus (RP2plus) is a multiplexed nucleic acid test intended for use with FilmArray® 2.0 or FilmArray® Torch systems for the simultaneous qualitative detection and identification of multiple respiratory viral and bacterial nucleic acids in nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) obtained from individuals suspected of respiratory tract infections.

Both results will be reported in real-time to the treating physicians with the recommendation to withhold or withdraw antibiotics if:

• PCT<0.10 µg/L with either a positive (with a viral respiratory pathogen) or negative FilmArray assay or
• PCT<0.25 µg/L and FilmArray positive with a viral respiratory pathogen. For the control arm, patients will benefit from the usual care of patients with suspected LRTI at the discretion of the attending physician. Care may entail a CRP and/or a PCT measurement, but no nasopharyngeal swab sampling.

Inclusion criteria

• 1. Subject is ≥ 18 years of age attending the ED with LRTI symptom defined as at least one among:

• sweats, chills, body aches and pain, temperature >38°C) and at least one among:
• cough, sputum production, dyspnea, chest pain, altered breath sounds at auscultation.
• 2. Subject signs informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Subject is a prisoner
• Subject is a Pregnant
• Subject has no social insurance
• Subject is enrolled in end of life care
• Subject refuses to participate in study procedures
• Subject is already enrolled (each patient will only be tested one time with the FilmArray® RP2plus)
• Subject has a contraindication (per the discretion of the attending physician) to a nasopharyngeal swab (for example, nose bone fracture or recent history of maxilla-facial surgery)