Open AccessSurvey of influenza and other respiratory viruses diagnostic testing in US hospitals, 2012–2013
Author(s) -
Su Su,
Fry Alicia M.,
Kirley Pam Daily,
Aragon Deborah,
YouseyHindes Kimberly,
Meek James,
Openo Kyle,
Oni Oluwakemi,
Sharangpani Ruta,
Morin Craig,
Hollick Gary,
Lung Krista,
Laidler Matt,
Lindegren Mary Lou,
Schaffner William,
Atkinson Annette,
Chaves Sandra S.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
influenza and other respiratory viruses
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.743
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1750-2659
pISSN - 1750-2640
DOI - 10.1111/irv.12355
Subject(s) - medicine , infection control , diagnostic test , virology , emergency medicine , intensive care medicine
Background Little is known about laboratory capacity to routinely diagnose influenza and other respiratory viruses at clinical laboratories and hospitals. Aims We sought to assess diagnostic practices for influenza and other respiratory virus in a survey of hospitals and laboratories participating in the US I nfluenza H ospitalization S urveillance N etwork in 2012–2013. Materials and Methods All hospitals and their associated laboratories participating in the I nfluenza H ospitalization S urveillance N etwork ( F lu S urv‐ NET ) were included in this evaluation. The network covers more than 80 counties in 15 states, CA , CO , CT , GA , MD , MN , NM , NY , OR , TN , IA , MI , OH , RI , and UT , with a catchment population of ~28 million people. We administered a standardized questionnaire to key personnel, including infection control practitioners and laboratory departments, at each hospital through telephone interviews. Results Of the 240 participating laboratories, 67% relied only on commercially available rapid influenza diagnostic tests to diagnose influenza. Few reported the availability of molecular diagnostic assays for detection of influenza (26%) and other viral pathogens (≤20%) in hospitals and commercial laboratories. Conclusion Reliance on insensitive assays to detect influenza may detract from optimal clinical management of influenza infections in hospitals.