Anucha ApisarnthanarakHong Bin KimLuke MooreYonghong XiaoSanjeev SinghYohei DoiAndrea Lay Hoon KwaSasheela Sri La Sri PonnampalavanarQing CaoShin Woo KimHyukmin LeePitak SantanirandRamathibodi HospitalThe State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesImperial College Healthcare NHS TrustSeoul National University Bundang HospitalDuke-NUS Medical SchoolShanghai Children's Medical CenterChelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation TrustFujita Health University School of MedicineThammasat University HospitalUniversiti MalayaKyungpook National University HospitalSingapore General HospitalYonsei University College of MedicineImperial College LondonAmrita Institute of Medical Sciences IndiaUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicineThe Korean Society for Preventive Medicine2022-08-042022-08-042021-07-01Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology. Vol.42, No.7 (2021), 864-868155968340899823X2-s2.0-85108105565https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/78084Rapid diagnostic testing (RDT) can provide prompt, accurate identification of infectious organisms and be a key component of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs. However, their use is less widespread in Asia Pacific than western countries. Cost can be prohibitive, particularly in less resource-replete settings. A selective approach is required, possibly focusing on the initiation of antimicrobials, for differentiating bacterial versus viral infections and identifying locally relevant tropical diseases. Across Asia Pacific, more data are needed on RDT use within AMS, focusing on the impact on antimicrobial usage, patient morbidity and mortality, and cost effectiveness. Moreover, in the absence of formal guidelines, regional consensus statements to guide clinical practice are warranted. These will provide a regionally relevant definition for RDT; greater consensus on its role in managing infections; advice on implementation and overcoming barriers; and guidance on optimizing human resource capacity. By addressing these issues, the outcomes of AMS programs should improve.Mahidol UniversityMedicineReviewSCOPUS10.1017/ice.2021.149