Norsk
Norwegian College of General Practice

Avoid performing CRP and rapid streptococcus tests before a doctor has assessed the indication

16. JULI 2025
En kvinne ser på en prøve i en lab. FOTO: Thomas Barstad Eckhoff/Legeforeningen
PHOTO: Thomas Barstad Eckhoff/Legeforeningen

Rationale:

Various conditions cause differing degrees of CRP elevation, and test results alone provide no information about the need for further evaluation or treatment. Respiratory infections with throat pain are very common, with only a small fraction caused by streptococcal infections, and even fewer benefiting from antibiotic treatment. A negative test cannot rule out an infection requiring treatment. Healthy carriers of streptococci in the throat may test positive without being ill. 
Indiscriminate testing creates public expectations that such tests are necessary, leading to unnecessary concern about illness and an increased risk of antibiotic overuse.


References:  

  • Spinks A, Glasziou  PP, Del Mar  CB. Antibiotics for sore throat. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 11. Art. No.: CD000023. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000023.pub4.
  • Rebnord IK, Sandvik H, Mjelle AB, Hunskaar S. Out-of-hours antibiotic prescription after screening with C reactive protein: a randomised controlled study. BMJ Open. 2016 May 12;6(5): e011231. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-011231.