title: Feasibility of using C-reactive protein for point-of-care testing.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  C-reactive protein (CRP) point-of-care testing (POCT) can be a valuable tool for decision making in primary care. Very few studies have illustrated the utilization of CRP POCT.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To conduct a systematic review on the use of CRP POCT in primary care settings and to examine its feasibility and acceptability in an outpatient primary care setting.
  
  
  METHODS
  The search was conducted via PubMed. Final articles in the systematic review met inclusion and exclusion criteria. For the feasibility and acceptability analysis, a convenience sample of 20 adult subjects was enrolled and CRP POCT was conducted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Antibiotic prescription was the most predominant outcome assessed, and antibiotic prescription reduction was the most common finding of CRP POCT effectiveness testing.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CRP POCT can be used to detect inflammation and can reduce antibiotic prescription in primary care. It is a satisfactory procedure that should be available in the primary care setting.
authors.affiliation: Center for Global Health and Development, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-4370, USA.
authors.forename: Ashish
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Joshi
authors.forename: Douglas Puricelli
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Perin
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gehle
authors.forename: Phyllis A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Nsiah-Kumi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D002648:Child; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D057970:Inappropriate Prescribing / Q000517:prevention & control; D007249:Inflammation / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D009329:Nebraska; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D015415:Biomarkers; D002097:C-Reactive Protein