Authors' objectives: BinaxNOW Streptococcus pneumoniae (BinaxNOW-SP) is an immunochromatographic test for the presence of Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) coat antigen. Applied to an initial urine sample, it can suggest a diagnosis of SP infection within an hour or less, in contrast to cultures, which may take 24 hours or more. BinaxNOW-SP is believed to have higher sensitivity than blood culture and is expected to increase the percentage of patients who receive a precise bacteriological diagnosis. This has the potential to permit the use of narrower-spectrum antibiotic therapy, and in turn reduce risk of antibiotic resistance or Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea. The Technology Assessment Unit (TAU) was requested to evaluate clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness of BinaxNOW-SP in the diagnosis of community acquired pneumonia (CAP) in patients admitted to the MUHC.

Authors' recommendations: We recommend that Binax-NOW not be used in the routine testing of patients suspected of community acquired pneumonia. Any use that takes place should be carried out within a protocol, to be determined by the Departments of Microbiology and Infection Control, with the objective of defining the value of this test. This issue should be reviewed in one year at which time usage and value of this test should be reviewed.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2012

URL for published report: http://www.mcgill.ca/tau/files/tau/muhc_tau_2011_57_binaxnow.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Technology Assessment Unit of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC)

Contact Address: Technology Assessment Unit of the MUHC, 536-5100 Boul. Maisonneuve O, Montreal, H4A 3T2

Contact Name: eva.suarthana@mcgill.ca

Contact Email: nisha.almeida@muhc.mcgill.ca

Copyright: Technology Assessment Unit of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC)