Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Tackling Resistance And HealthCare Economics Through CPE Screening

This study, called "Tackling Resistance And HealthCare Economics Through CPE Screening," is designed to find out how to best reduce the spread of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) bacteria among patients in hospitals. CPEs are resistant to many antibiotics and can live in people's gut without causing illness. The usual test for these bacteria can take up to 24 hours. Researchers are testing a much faster method that gives results in just 2 hours. They want to see if this quicker test can help stop CPEs from spreading between patients, understand why some people carry these bacteria, and if the rapid test is also a more cost-effective option for the NHS.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Imperial College London

Enrolment target

16,000

Start

01 Aug 2026

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2028

Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Colonisation

What is this study about?

This research study is looking into a type of bacteria called CPEs (Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales). These bacteria can be quite serious because they've learned to resist many strong antibiotics often used for severe infections. People can carry CPEs in their gut without feeling unwell, but there's a risk they could spread to other patients in a hospital setting, especially those who are already vulnerable. Preventing this spread is really important for patient safety.

Currently, when patients come into hospital, they might have a swab taken (often from their bottom) to check for these bacteria. The usual test takes about 24 hours to show if CPEs are present. This study wants to try a new, much quicker test that can give results in just two hours. The idea is that if we know sooner who has CPEs, hospitals can take steps almost immediately to prevent the bacteria from spreading to others.

Ultimately, the study wants to answer a few key questions: Why do some people carry these bacteria, pass them on, or get infected? Would using a faster test lead to less spread of CPEs between patients in hospital? And finally, would this faster test also be a more affordable choice for our healthcare system in the long run?

Key takeaways

This study aims to make hospitals safer by reducing the spread of resistant bacteria called CPEs.
It compares a new, very fast test (2 hours) with the usual slower test (24 hours) for CPEs.
Participation involves a routine swab test and answering health questions if you test positive.
The goal is to see if a quicker test helps prevent spread and is also cost-effective.
Your medical care will not be affected by taking part.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or over. This study is specifically for patients who are admitted to a hospital's acute medical unit during the study period.

You would be included if you already have a routine swab test to check for CPEs as part of the hospital's normal procedures, and your test shows you have these bacteria, whether it's by the usual test or the new rapid test being studied.

You cannot join the study if you refuse to have the swab test for CPEs, or if there's a medical reason why it's not safe for you to have a swab taken.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you being admitted to an acute medical unit in hospital?
Do you already have a routine swab test for CPEs planned by the hospital?
Are you comfortable with having a swab test taken (usually from your bottom)?
Are you willing to answer some questions about your health if you test positive for CPEs?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you are eligible and agree to take part, the main thing that will happen is a simple swab test, usually from your bottom, when you are admitted to hospital. This is often something hospitals do routinely anyway. In this study, you'll be tested using both the usual method and the new, faster method at the same time.

If your tests show you have CPEs, a member of the research team will ask you some questions about your health and medical history. This will help them understand more about how CPEs affect people. There are no extra hospital visits required beyond your normal hospital stay, and no extra medication or follow-up appointments directly related to this study. The total duration of your participation would mainly be during your hospital admission, with the questionnaire taking a short amount of time.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no known direct medical benefits to you for taking part in this specific study, but the information learned could help improve how hospitals prevent infections for all patients in the future. The risks of participating are very low; the main procedure is a simple, routine swab test which is generally well-tolerated. You will be asked some questions about your health if you test positive for CPEs, which might take a little time. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

Charing Cross Hospital
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom
St Thomas' hospital
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is a CPE?

CPE stands for Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae. These are bacteria that have become resistant to strong antibiotics, meaning those medicines may not work against them.

How do you check for CPEs?

Doctors usually check for CPEs by taking a swab, often from your bottom. This study is comparing the usual test with a new, faster one.

Will taking part affect my treatment?

No, taking part in this study will not change the medical care you receive for your condition. Your treatment will remain the same.

What happens if I have CPEs?

If you test positive for CPEs, the hospital will take standard steps to prevent spread, just as they would normally. You will also be asked some health questions for the study.

Can I leave the study at any time?

Yes, you are free to stop being part of the study whenever you want, and your decision will not affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Research Governance and Integrity

rgit@imperial.ac.uk 020 7594 9832 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.