Performance of six influenza rapid tests in detecting human influenza in clinical specimens

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The rapid diagnosis of influenza can alter the management of a patient's illness, resulting in reduced antibiotic usage, correct use of influenza antivirals and reduced length of stay in hospital emergency departments. The rapid tests have also been used to detect outbreaks in institutions and may play a role in pandemic influenza control. OBJECTIVES: To test six different rapid influenza tests, in a head-to-head comparison for the detection of seasonal influenza types A and B, compared to laboratory-based tests. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred and seventy-seven clinical specimens taken from mostly paediatric patients between June and October 2006 were tested using six influenza diagno..