INDIA —Diagnostics testing company LumiraDx Healthcare Private Limited has launched its highly sensitive C-Reactive Protein (CRP) point-of-care antigen test across India.

The point of care CRP test, according to the company’s press release, can be used in a variety of clinical settings to help reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing, which leads to antimicrobial resistance.

The C-Reactive Protein is an antigen test, which scans the CRP levels in the blood. CRP is a protein molecule produced by the liver.

When a person is affected by an infection, underlying disease, or an injury his CRP level is said to be high indicating inflammation caused due to the infection. The normal range of CRP levels in an individual is 3.0 mg/L.

According to the diagnostic company, the CRP test yields results in four minutes from a tiny sample of finger-prick blood on the portable LumiraDx platform, which weighs just over a kilogram.

The announcement comes during World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) which spotlights the increasing global burden of antimicrobial resistance.

The key reasons contributing to antimicrobial resistance include misuse and overuse of antibiotics in human health, food-animal production, and agriculture, along with poor management of waste emanating from households, farms, factories, and human and veterinary healthcare settings.

With the new antibiotic pipeline almost dry, reducing antibiotic prescriptions, managing patient compliance to treatment, and reducing self-medication is vital to alleviate the global burden of drug-resistant pathogens.

Studies show that point-of-care CRP testing reduces antibiotic prescribing by 23-36% for respiratory tract infections (RTI), and 22 percent for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to be a high-priority global issue, and there is a direct relationship between the prescribing of antimicrobials and the development of AMR.

The company also claimed that CRP testing can effectively help to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing in primary care.

India, one of the world’s most populated nations has greatly been impacted by antimicrobial resistance. The availability of the LumiraDx CRP Point of Care Antigen Test can help to ensure that antibiotics are only given to patients who will benefit from them,” said Yogesh Singh, LumiraDx General Manager, India.

In India, CRP tests are available in ICUs, pediatric departments, emergency departments, general practitioners, outpatient departments, and other clinical care settings.

Recently, India’s central government launched an AMR stewardship program to tackle the growing health issue.

Global emergence of antimicrobial resistant pathogens presents an urgent need for practical and innovative solutions to control and prevent the use of antibiotics, especially where unnecessary prescriptions, self-medication, and poor compliance persist,” said Dr. Nigel Lindner, Chief Innovation Officer, LumiraDx.

Owing to its significant linkages with the health of humans, animals, and environment, antimicrobial resistance has been recognized as a One Health issue, and UN bodies known as Quadripartite, have recently launched a central platform to help mitigate the growing threats and impacts of antimicrobial resistance globally.

The ‘One Health’ term refers to the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant, and environmental health.

Adopting a ‘One Health’ approach, which unites medical, veterinary, and environmental expertise helps governments, businesses, and civil society achieve enduring health for people, animals, and environments alike.

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