Objective: to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of point-of-care leukocyte analyzers to aid in the diagnosis of airway infections in the SUS.Method: this is a cost-effectiveness study using a deterministic model developed from a decision tree.Results: the use of devices to perform diagnostic tests at the point of treatment has become increasingly popular and accepted around the world in view of the increased demand for care and the need to reduce the time it takes to return exam results to optimization of outcomes. After the Roll Back of the decision tree, the most cost-effective strategy was a white blood cell count-driven clinical investigation using the point-of-care analyzer to guide antibiotic prescribing.Conclusion: Evidence suggests that the use of POC analyzers for WBC counts and differentials at the point of care is a cost-effective alternative as part of a strategy to aid in the diagnosis and therapeutic management of cases of non-specific acute respiratory infections.