Discussing PCT use with your AMS team

Before introducing PCT or any test as part of an AMS programme, please make sure that an AMS programme is already developed and implemented within your institution.

An audit needs to be performed to look at the impact of an AMS programme on antibiotic use and whether PCT can help in your AMS support.

This audit can be a simple exercise that includes:

• Mapping which core elements are in place in the facility
• Undertaking a baseline point prevalence antibiotic use analysis
• Identifying main challenges related to antibiotic prescribing and use
• Identifying available human and financial resources
• Identifying if PCT can support your AMS programme

Appraise the use of PCT within a multidisciplinary team: microbiologists, biochemists, clinicians, ID physicians, pharmacists, and finance, governance and laboratory staff. They can all be part of building a business case. Your laboratory staff can appraise various options for you e.g. point-of-care or laboratory assays.

If it is challenging to know if PCT is helpful to your AMS programme or not from the above information, you could try a service evaluation before you fully decide on its impact if you have the facilities.

Please adapt international guidance on how to use PCT as an AMS tool to best suit your hospital/clinic and monitor its impact vs the cost of PCT.