Routine Application of Point-of-care PCR Test to Identify and Direct Therapy for Acute Respiratory Infection in the Emergency Department Trial

A nasal swab will be collected by trained research staff in full personal protective equipment (PPE) and placed into 3 mL of viral transport medium. The sample will be immediately processed and analysed in the ED using the Xpert® Xpress SARS-CoV-2/Flu/RSV test according to the manufacturer's instructions. The results of the test will be documented in the patient's paper or electronic case notes, and the clinical team will be directly informed of all results. The participant or legal guardian who signs the consent form will also be informed of the results when appropriate.

The ordering of test for respiratory pathogens will be decided by the treating clinical team. All tests will be performed using the standard methods of the hospital laboratory.