Point of Care Streptococcal Pharyngitis Testing (NCT03744832) | Clinical Trial Compass
UnknownNot Applicable
Point of Care Streptococcal Pharyngitis Testing
Canada145 participantsStarted 2019-08-12
Plain-language summary
Sore throat is a common problem in children typically caused by viral or bacterial infections. While viral infections resolve without treatment, bacterial infections, such as "strep throat," are treatable with antibiotics. Diagnosing "strep throat" traditionally required a throat swab for culture that delays treatment for several days. This may result in prolonged illness, activity absenteeism, and significant healthcare costs. New molecular tests can accurately diagnose "strep throat" within 8 minutes, but are more expensive and require impact evaluation before widespread implementation. This study will compare a new bedside molecular test with conventional throat cultures to evaluate for benefits to patients and families seen in the emergency department, as well to healthcare system operations. The investigators hypothesize that care for children and the associated healthcare costs will improve with these point of care molecular tests.
Who can participate
Age range
3 Years – 17 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Children 3-17 years of age who seek care in a ED with sore throat, and in whom the ED clinician is considering a throat swab for culture for suspected GAS pharyngitis. In addition, only English speaking families will be recruited.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Patients younger than 3 and older than 17 years of age will be excluded. In addition, patients who had a throat swab completed and/or were treated with antibiotics prior to presenting to the ED for the current illness, and patients with underlying cardiorespiratory illness will be excluded.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.