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New point of care test is highly specific but less sensitive for influenza virus A and B in children and adults
Author(s) -
Rawlinson William D.,
Waliuzzaman Zubair M.,
Fennell Michael,
Appleman James R.,
Shimasaki Craig D.,
Carter Ian W.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of medical virology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1096-9071
pISSN - 0146-6615
DOI - 10.1002/jmv.20155
Subject(s) - neuraminidase , medicine , point of care testing , influenzavirus b , virus , virology , nose , throat , point of care , viral culture , immunology , diagnostic test , immunofluorescence , influenza a virus , orthomyxoviridae , pediatrics , intensive care medicine , pathology , antibody , surgery
The importance of rapid diagnosis of influenza has increased with the availability of neuraminidase inhibitors, which need to be commenced within 48 hr of symptom onset. Furthermore, the recent development of influenza‐like clinical syndromes with novel aetiologies (severe acute respiratory syndrome, SARS) has increased the need for rapid and accurate near‐patient diagnosis. A new, modified point of care (POC) diagnostic test (ZstatFlu) was assessed on 469 nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPAs) and 260 nose/throat swabs (TS) taken from children and adults. The test was specific (77–98%) for all specimen types for influenza virus A and B, depending upon incubation conditions. However, it was less sensitive, detecting 65–77% of specimens confirmed as positive on culture, direct immunofluorescence or PCR testing. A positive test is useful, for both directing initiation of therapy in the clinician's office, and making a positive diagnosis of influenza in patients with influenza‐like clinical syndromes. J. Med. Virol. 74:127–131, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.