MicroGuide vs BNF (2025): Local Availability vs National Safety
At a Glance
Who is it for?
MicroGuide:Hospital Clinicians
BNF:All Clinicians
Why choose MicroGuide?
- Tells you the *choice* of drug (e.g. 'Use Doxycycline for CAP')
- Aligned with local resistance patterns and stock
- Includes restricted drug codes and approval bleeps
Why choose BNF?
- Tells you the *dose* and *safety* info
- Lists contraindications (e.g. Pregnancy, Renal)
- Includes every licensed drug, not just the hospital list
Feature Comparison
| Capability | MicroGuide | BNF |
|---|---|---|
| Priority | Choice of Agent | Safety of Agent |
| Scope | Local (Trust specific) | National (UK wide) |
| Updates | Ad-hoc (by Trust team) | Monthly (by BNF team) |
| Function | Antimicrobial Stewardship | Safe Prescribing & Legal |
In-Depth Analysis
Overview
Junior doctors often check MicroGuide to see "What do we give for a UTI here?" and are told "Trimethoprim." They then check the BNF to see "Is Trimethoprim safe in a patient on Methotrexate?"
MicroGuide is the menu (what is available and recommended). The BNF is the instruction manual (how to use it safely). In hospital practice, you almost always need both apps open.
Key Differences
MicroGuide is locally governed. It reflects the decisions of your specific hospital's microbiology and pharmacy team. It is the authority on selection. The BNF is nationally governed. It reflects the decisions of the Joint Formulary Committee. It is the authority on safety.
Looking for a faster way?
While MicroGuide and BNF are powerful tools, iatroX offers a free, AI-driven alternative focused specifically on rapid UK guideline retrieval and exam prep.
Use-Cases
Treating Pneumonia
When to choose MicroGuide
- Check MicroGuide first to see which antibiotic is first-line in *your* specific hospital.
When to choose BNF
- Check BNF second to confirm the dose for a patient with eGFR < 30.
Prescribing a Statin
When to choose MicroGuide
- Likely no info (unless there is a lipid pathway).
When to choose BNF
- Essential. Use BNF to check interactions with the patient's Macrolide.