Contribution of a rapid influenza diagnostic test to manage hospitalized patients with suspected influenza

- Alere i influenza A&B is a sensitive technic for the diagnosis of influenza A.
- Sensitivity for influenza B was poor but calculated only with 11 positive samples.
- Rapid diagnostic of influenza can help to better apply management guidelines.
- Influenza tests could help prevent unnecessary investigations and treatments.
- Contribution is higher when results are delivered as patients are still in the ER.

AimTo evaluate the performances of the Alere i influenza A&B test and to appraise its contribution to patient management.MethodsIn total, 267 samples were tested. Influenza A and B PCR was performed as the reference. For each positive result, the supervising physician was contacted to collect data regarding patient management.FindingsThe overall sensitivity and specificity of the Alere i were 91.4% and 97.6% for influenza A and 54.5% and 98.8% for influenza B, respectively. More specifically, when used in the emergency room (ER), the test helped avoid 10.7% of hospitalizations, 46.4% of antibiotic prescriptions and 42.9% of additional investigations for positive patients. The test was also helpful in instituting the prescription of oseltamivir and patient isolation.ConclusionAlere i influenza A&B is a rapid, sensitive and specific diagnostic test for influenza A. Sensitivity for influenza B was poor. Its usefulness was more important when patients were still in the ER.