New 20-Minute sore throat test could cut unnecessary antibiotics
NCT ID NCT06713642
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested a new rapid test called SPOTFIRE ST for people with sore throats in urgent care. The test uses PCR to find up to 13 different viruses and bacteria in about 20 minutes. Researchers wanted to see if doctors find it useful, how accurate it is, and whether patients and providers are satisfied with it. About 200 people took part, and the study is already completed.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- SPOTFIRE ST System (rapid PCR test device)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this test could help doctors quickly identify the cause of a sore throat and prescribe antibiotics or antivirals more wisely.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed study focused on test performance and satisfaction, not on patient health outcomes. The test may not change treatment decisions or be widely adopted.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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200 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Dec 2024
- Finished
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Mar 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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1 year and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Illness onset in the last 7 days, AND: * Ages 1-2 (12-35 months old) with fever or * Ages 3-17 with sore throat or * Any age with immunocompromising conditions or is on immunocompromising medications with sore throat or * Any age with comorbidities (e.g., respiratory, cardiovascular, metabolic, renal, etc.) with sore throat Exclusion Criteria: * Anatomic anomalies that would prohibit safely collecting a pharyngeal swab specimen * Symptom onset more than 7 days prior to arrival at urgent care * Patient is already on an antiviral medication or an antibiotic medication * Previous participation in the study * Unable to read and understand or refusal to sign the appropriate informed consent/assent forms * Refusal to provide their demographics, household information
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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UW Health Urgent Care Centers
Madison, Wisconsin, 53717, United States