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Comparison of two rapid influenza A/B test kits with reference methods showing high specificity and sensitivity for influenza A infection
Author(s) -
Booth Susanne,
Baleriola Cristina,
Rawlinson William D.
Publication year - 2006
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.20584
Subject(s) - virology , medicine , virus , throat , orthomyxoviridae , influenza a virus , monoclonal antibody , immunology , antibody , surgery
The rapid detection of influenza viruses is important for forming preventative strategies, directing initiation of anti‐viral therapy, detecting potential avian influenza viruses, and excluding influenza‐like pathogens, such as SARS. The Immuno Card STAT! Flu A and B Plus test (Meridian Bioscience, Cincinnati, OH) is a new point of care (POC) test utilizing influenza‐specific monoclonal antibodies for rapid diagnosis. The performance of this assay was compared to the established POC Binax NowFlu A and NowFlu B test, and the reference diagnostic standards of viral culture, indirect immunofluorescence (IFA), and RT‐PCR where appropriate. Testing of nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPA) from children, throat swabs, and nasal swabs from adults indicated Immuno Card STAT! specificity of 98% and 100% for influenza A and B, respectively in 224 specimens. The Binax test showed specificity of 99% and 100%, respectively for influenza A and B. Sensitivity results were identical for both rapid detection kits (80% and 47% for Flu A and B, respectively). Overall results were very similar for both testing devices with the advantage of Immuno Card STAT! Flu A and B Plus test detecting influenza A and B with sharp and easy to read results. J. Med. Virol. 78:619–622, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.