Rapid Diagnostic Tests for Fever

Relatively simple rapid-test outputs may still have clinical value for clinicians. Large multicentre randomised controlled trials are needed to evaluate how new rapid tests affect real-world clinical decision-making. Rapid host biomarker-based tests are being developed to distinguish bacterial, viral, and other causes of febrile illness early enough to guide clinical decisions. The survey examined what European hospital doctors want from future rapid diagnostic tests for patients presenting with fever. Future rapid fever diagnostic tests should prioritise clinically vulnerable or diagnostically uncertain patients.