Researchers from the NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) are playing a key role in the ground breaking TOUCAN study, which is transforming how rapid diagnostic tests for urinary tract infections (UTIs) are evaluated in primary care.
As the study nears its recruitment target for the first phase, a newly published protocol in BMJ Open details its innovative approach.
Prof Mark Wilcox (pictured centre), Dr Kerrie Davies (right) and Dr Jane Freeman (left) from the Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection theme sit on the Trial Management Group for the study, providing key input into this important research into UTI diagnosis.
With UTIs affecting millions and antimicrobial resistance posing an increasing threat, the need for improved diagnostics has never been greater.
Led by the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre in Community Healthcare at Oxford, TOUCAN (plaTform fOr Urinary tract infection diagnostiC evAluatioN) is designed to streamline the evaluation of new diagnostic technologies. This platform approach enables multiple tests to be assessed simultaneously, accelerating the evidence required for their clinical adoption.
Among the technologies being assessed is the Sysmex PA-100 AST System, which won the £10 million Longitude Prize for its ability to provide results within 15-45 minutes, potentially enabling same-appointment prescribing decisions.
For more information about TOUCAN contact toucan@phc.ox.ac.uk