Rapid tests for influenza

Abstract

A variety of antigen-capture assays are commercially available for the detection of influenza. In addition, real-time multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been used to detect influenza A and B in clinical specimens. The commercial assays can be completed in less than 30 minutes and have a sensitivity of at least 70% and a specificity of 90%, compared with viral isolation. They are useful not only in the diagnosis and treatment of individual patients with influenza-like illness but also in surveillance for influenza, decreasing the time of nosocomial outbreaks, decreasing the use of laboratory tests, and decreasing antibiotic use in patients with influenza. Some of the rapid antigen assays, and PCR, can detect the H5N1 and H9N1 viruses. Real-time multiplex PCR also detects a variety of respiratory viruses within 6 hours, with only 1 hour of hands-on technician time. The widespread use of the rapid tests for influenza is changing the practice pattern of physicians who care for patients with influenza.

Voltammetric Detection of a Specific DNA Sequence of Avian Influenza Virus H5N1 Using HS‐ssDNA Probe Deposited onto Gold Electrode

“…The conventional methods for virus analysis, such as viral isolation [5,6], immunoassay [7,8] and PCR-based techniques [9] are well established. The main disadvantages of these methods are time-consuming and sophisticated procedures demanding well trained personnel.…”

Role of the Laboratory in Diagnosis of Influenza during Seasonal Epidemics and Potential Pandemics

“…Direct comparison of the sensitivity and specificity of multiple POC tests is challenging, because evaluations have been performed under variable conditions. Because the overall sensitivity of POC tests is lower than the overall sensitivities of immunofluorescence microscopy and isolation in cell culture, it is important that physicians who use POC tests have access to a reference laboratory to resolve ambiguous results and to ensure quality [5]. The clinical usefulness of these tests is associated with their positive and negative predictive values and is greatest during the peak influenza season, when false-positive results are less likely and the positive predictive value is high.…”

Field Performance of a Rapid Diagnostic Test for Influenza in an Ambulatory Setting

“…The Quidel QuickVue Influenza AϩB test has reported sensitivities and specificities ranging from 44 to 95% and 76 to 98%, respectively (10,15,19). However, sensitivities as low as 22 to 33% have also been reported (18,22).…”