| Title | Implementation of a rapid influenza A/B and RSV direct molecular assay improves emergency department oseltamivir use in paediatric patients. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2018 |
| Authors | Mitchell SL, Chang Y-C, Feemster K, Cárdenas AMaría |
| Journal | J Med Microbiol |
| Volume | 67 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pagination | 358-363 |
| Date Published | 2018 Mar |
| ISSN | 1473-5644 |
| Keywords | Antiviral Agents, Child, Child Health, Child, Preschool, Emergency Service, Hospital, Female, Humans, Influenza A virus, Influenza B virus, Influenza, Human, Male, Molecular Diagnostic Techniques, Nasopharynx, Oseltamivir, Reagent Kits, Diagnostic, Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction, Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections, Respiratory Syncytial Viruses, Sensitivity and Specificity, Treatment Outcome, Virus Diseases |
| Abstract | PURPOSE: Influenza A virus (FluA), influenza B virus (FluB) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) illnesses increase hospitalizations during seasonal epidemics. METHODOLOGY: To determine the utility of the Simplexa FluA/B & RSV Direct Assay (Direct Flu/RSV) and its impact on oseltamivir use, we offered this assay to emergency department (ED) patients with influenza-like illness. RESULTS: Utilization of the Direct Flu/RSV provided a turnaround time (TAT) of 2 hours. Compared to the flu season prior to implementation of the Direct Flu/RSV, clinicians were more likely to prescribe 5 days of oseltamivir therapy for Direct Flu/RSV-positive patients in comparison to those with a negative test. CONCLUSIONS: Use of Direct Flu/RSV provides results rapidly, which leads to more appropriate use of oseltamivir. The ease of use of this assay and quick TAT allows for prompt decision-making, which is essential for patient care and effective disease control during the influenza season. |
| DOI | 10.1099/jmm.0.000676 |
| Alternate Journal | J. Med. Microbiol. |
| PubMed ID | 29458688 |