RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Novel Technologies for Respiratory Virus Identification

Doctors at Portsmouth Hospitals are testing a new system called Pictura Bio, which aims to quickly find out which virus is making people sick. Currently, it can take a long time to identify viruses, and this new method could be faster and cheaper. This study will involve collecting nose or throat swabs from 1000 adults and children who come to the hospital with cold or flu-like symptoms. The information from these swabs will teach the Pictura Bio system to accurately recognise different viruses. The goal is to improve how we diagnose and treat common respiratory infections, helping patients get the right care faster and reducing the overuse of antibiotics, which can lead to 'superbugs'.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust

Enrolment target

1,000

Start

18 Jan 2023

Estimated completion

30 Apr 2026

Infections, Respiratory Respiratory Tract Infections

What is this study about?

When people get sick with cold or flu-like symptoms, it can be hard to know if it's caused by a virus or bacteria. Doctors often prescribe antibiotics just in case, but antibiotics only work on bacteria, not viruses. Using antibiotics when they're not needed can cause problems, like creating 'superbugs' that are resistant to medicines.

This study is looking at a new technology called Pictura Bio, which is like a very smart microscope connected to a computer. It's being developed to quickly identify different viruses from a simple nose or throat swab. This could help doctors figure out exactly what's causing an infection much faster than current methods, meaning patients get the right treatment sooner. It could also help hospitals understand and prepare better for busy winter periods when many people get sick.

The Pictura Bio system is still learning, like a child in school. To make it super accurate, it needs to 'see' lots of examples. So, the study will gather lots of information from patient samples to teach the computer system to recognise different viruses really well. The aim is for this technology to eventually be used in places like GP surgeries and pharmacies, making it easier and quicker for everyone to get accurate diagnoses.

Key takeaways

Testing a new, faster way to detect respiratory viruses.
Aims to improve diagnosis and treatment for cold and flu-like illnesses.
Involves one extra nose or throat swab during your hospital visit.
Your participation helps 'teach' a computer system to identify viruses.
Will not affect your personal medical care or treatment.
Could help reduce antibiotic overuse and the rise of 'superbugs'.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for patients who come to Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust. We're inviting both adults and children to take part.

You might be able to join if you have symptoms that suggest a viral infection, like a runny nose, sneezing, a new cough, sore throat, body aches, or fever and chills. You also need to be able to give a nose or throat swab, and you or your parent/guardian must be able to understand and agree to take part.

However, you won't be able to join if taking a nose or throat swab might be harmful to you, or if you're unable to understand or agree to the study procedures.

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 able to agree to take part (or can your parent/guardian)?
Are you at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust?
Do you have cold or flu-like symptoms (e.g., runny nose, cough, fever)?
Can you comfortably have an extra nose or throat swab?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, it's quite simple. You'll already be having a nose or throat swab as part of your usual care at the hospital for your respiratory symptoms. For the study, we would ask to take just one additional nasal swab. We'll try to do this at the same time as your routine samples to make it as easy as possible.

We'll also collect some basic health information like your age, gender, results from any blood tests you've had for your clinical care, and details about your treatment and what happened as a result. We won't give you or your doctors any results from the study swab itself, and your participation won't change the care you receive from the hospital team. The study will only involve this single extra swab and the collection of existing basic health information.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct personal benefits to you from taking part in this study, as the results of your study swab won't be shared or affect your care. However, your participation will help doctors develop new, faster ways to diagnose infections, which could lead to better and quicker treatment for many patients in the future and reduce the overuse of antibiotics. The main potential risk is slight discomfort from the extra nose swab, similar to what you might experience with any routine swab. Please remember, you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Queen Alexandra Hospital
Verified postcode
Portsmouth, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the Pictura Bio system?

It's a new technology that combines a microscope and computer to quickly identify different viruses from a nose or throat swab.

Will taking part change my medical treatment?

No, taking part in the study will not change your medical care or treatment in any way. The results from the study swab won't be shared with you or your doctors.

Is the extra swab painful?

The extra nose swab might cause a little discomfort or tickling, similar to a routine swab you might have had before.

Who is running this study?

This study is being conducted at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, working with Pictura Bio.

Why is this research important?

It could help doctors quickly identify viruses, leading to better and faster treatment for patients, and help reduce the overuse of antibiotics.

How to find out more

Yvette Hibberd

yvette.hibberd@porthosp.nhs.uk 023 9228 6000 Official trial record

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