Comparison of Rates of Antimicrobial Use in Febrile Patients With or Without the Use of C-reactive Protein Blood Test

In the intervention arm in addition to Usual Standard of Care, CRP Testing will be performed. In this test, health worker at health post will prick the finger of the patient using a lancet device following aseptic precautions. A very small drop (10 microliters) of whole blood will be obtained. This will be added to specimen dilution buffer. Then the sample will be mixed by inverting the tube upside down 10-15 times. Then the yellow dip area of the dipstick will be placed into the diluted sample. It will be held there until the liquid rises to the result area by capillary action. The the dipstick is removed from the solution and placed in a horizontal position. The timer will be started and result will be interpreted in 5 minutes. Treatment decision making regarding the use of antimicrobials will be conducted with the help of CRP test results and other clinical features.