It is possible to identify bacterial tonsillitis or cystitis at a pharmacy

Rapid diagnostic tests have gradually become available in pharmacies. Their aim? To enable the detection of certain common conditions directly in the pharmacy. Whilst everyone is now familiar with tests for Covid-19, it is now possible to screen for bacterial tonsillitis or cystitis without seeing a doctor. After asking a few diagnostic questions, the pharmacist carries out a test. To detect a sore throat, they take a swab from the back of the throat using a sterile swab. For cystitis, the patient collects a urine sample in a sterile container. Within minutes, the pharmacist receives a result. In Saint-Martin, nearly half of all pharmacies offer this service.
Whether or not the patient presents with a prescription from their doctor, the pharmacist can, provided the test is positive, supply them with an antibiotic. The test and treatment are then fully reimbursed by the patient’s health insurance and supplementary health insurance. These simple screenings facilitate access to care and improve patient guidance. It is also a way of reducing the routine use of antibiotics, given that in 60 to 90%* of cases, sore throats are viral in origin and antibiotics therefore have no effect on them.
*source: Vidal