World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW), taking place each November, is a vital global campaign highlighting the urgent need to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This year’s theme, “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future”, reminds us that practical action is needed today to safeguard the effectiveness of antibiotics for generations to come.
At BHR Biosynex, we believe that point-of-care testing (POCT) and community-based screening are powerful tools in this effort. By enabling rapid, accurate diagnostic insights at the patient’s side, POCT directly supports antimicrobial stewardship and helps reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing.
Why POCT Matters in the Fight Against AMR
1. Rapid insights for better clinical decisions
POCT allows healthcare professionals to quickly distinguish between bacterial and viral infections—particularly in respiratory tract infections where diagnostic uncertainty often leads to precautionary antibiotic use. Fast, evidence-based results reduce reliance on empirical prescribing and support more confident treatment decisions.
2. Fewer unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions
Tests such as CRP or MxA/CRP (Myxovirus resistance protein A and C-reactive protein) POCT are proven to lower antibiotic prescribing rates in primary care. These tests determine whether an infection is likely self-limiting or more serious, guiding clinicians to prescribe antibiotics only when truly needed.
3. Strengthening antimicrobial stewardship
With results available in minutes rather than days, POCT fits seamlessly into antimicrobial stewardship programmes. It promotes timely, appropriate treatment and helps ensure antibiotics remain effective for those who genuinely require them.
4. Supporting patient communication
POCT provides clear, tangible results that make it easier for healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, to explain why antibiotics may not be necessary. This supports the core WAAW goal of educating the public about AMR and encouraging responsible antibiotic expectations.
5. Cost-effective for health systems
While POCT devices require upfront investment, their use can significantly reduce downstream costs by preventing unnecessary antibiotic use, avoiding additional investigations, and reducing hospital referrals, ultimately easing pressure on NHS resources.
6. Enabling effective local action
The 2025 WAAW theme highlights that meaningful change begins locally. POCT can be integrated into community pharmacy services, primary care pathways, and local health initiatives, helping tailor stewardship efforts to local infection patterns, needs, and resources.
POCT and the WAAW 2025 Message
By improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing unnecessary antibiotic use, POCT embodies the spirit of “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future.”
It helps:
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Protect the present by ensuring patients receive the right treatment at the right time, reducing the spread of resistant infections.
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Secure the future by preserving the effectiveness of existing antibiotics through more prudent use today.
As healthcare systems strive to build resilience against AMR, investment in accessible, high-quality diagnostics such as POCT is a critical and immediate step.
At BHR Biosynex, we are committed to supporting healthcare professionals with reliable point-of-care testing solutions that promote better clinical outcomes and responsible antibiotic use.
During World Antimicrobial Awareness Week - and every week - we are proud to play our part in protecting global health.
