UofL and HealthTrackRx partner in a clinical trial to demonstrate power of precision diagnostics

UofL and HealthTrackRx partner in a clinical trial to demonstrate power of precision diagnostics

UofL’s Division of Infectious Diseases and the Trager Institute’s Optimal Aging Clinic have partnered with HealthTrackRx to deliver faster diagnostic care to elderly patients and those in rural healthcare facilities. Together, they are conducting a clinical study to demonstrate that using overnight PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing to diagnose urinary tract infections will shorten the time to treatment and symptom resolution compared to standard urine cultures, which take 3-5 days.

The findings could also help stem the issue of antibiotic resistance in the U.S., as physicians often prescribe antibiotics based on symptoms before a lab test diagnosis is returned. PCR testing will identify microbes that are sensitive to antibiotics or
antibiotic resistant, which will enable physicians to provide clear recommendations on treatment. This information will reduce unnecessary clinic visits and prevent the taking of unneeded antibiotics. 

Vital to the study is the $45.5 million operational headquarters HealthTrackRx recently opened inside the new UPS Labport facility, where testing takes place. UPS and HealthTrackRx are working together to transport samples to the HealthTrackRx testing lab to ensure delivery of fast, accurate results. This advance in diagnostic care will enable physicians to improve outcomes for a vulnerable population.