This research study will test a laboratory test called Film-Array Gastrointestinal (GI) Panel. This GI Panel is a test that can identify the bacteria or viruses that may cause diarrhea. This test will enable the ED doctor to better understand the cause of diarrhea to try to determine the best treatment. The primary objective of this study is to determine if testing ED patients who complain of diarrhea will lead to more optimal use of antibiotics. Optimal use of antibiotics is defined as the most appropriate antibiotic to treat a specified pathogen.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
74
The 22-target FilmArray® GI Panel allows a syndromic approach to the diagnosis of infectious diarrhea as it includes bacteria, viruses and parasites in one test. Results are typically available within two hours of collection.
The George Washington University, Department of Emergency Medicine
Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States
Number of Participants With Optimal Antibiotic Chosen
Optimal use of antibiotics is defined as the most appropriate antibiotic to treat a specified pathogen. Designated physicians on study staff will retrospectively examine charts of enrolled subjects will evaluate whether the antibiotic chosen by treating clinician was appropriate given GI PCR results.
Time frame: 30 Days post ED Discharge
ED Length of Stay
Time from patient arrival to time when patient is officially discharged or admitted
Time frame: 30 Days post ED Discharge
Hospital Admission Rate
Time frame: 30 Days post ED Discharge
Rate of Abdominal/Pelvic CT Scans
Time frame: 30 Days post ED Discharge
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