CLIA-Waived Group a Streptococcal Pharyngitis Test and Treat Programs in Community Pharmacies.

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Acute pharyngitis is frequently viral, yet antibiotics are often prescribed for potential Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections.
• Community pharmacy test and treat programs are expanding for acute respiratory infections.
• Rapid, accurate diagnosis of GAS is crucial for appropriate antibiotic use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review available CLIA-waived Group A Streptococcus (GAS) point-of-care tests (POCTs) in the U.S.
• To evaluate studies on the use of these POCTs in community pharmacy test and treat programs.
• To assess the impact of pharmacy-based pharyngitis management on antibiotic stewardship and patient access.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of CLIA-waived antigen and molecular GAS POCTs.
• Analysis of nine studies assessing POCT utilization in community pharmacy settings.
• Examination of outcomes related to antibiotic prescribing, patient access, and antimicrobial stewardship.

Main Results:

• Eleven antigen and two molecular CLIA-waived GAS POCTs are available in the U.S.
• Nine studies support the use of these tests in community pharmacy test and treat programs.
• Pharmacy-based management significantly decreases unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions and enhances access to care.

Conclusions:

• Pharmacy-based acute pharyngitis management models are medically and economically viable.
• These programs improve outpatient antimicrobial stewardship and patient access to healthcare services.
• Community pharmacies are well-positioned to manage acute pharyngitis, addressing overprescribing issues.