Point-of-care influenza diagnostic tests
Mundy L, Merlin T, Braunack-Mayer A, Hiller J
Record ID 32007000758
English
Authors' recommendations:
In summary, point-of-care diagnostic tests are highly specific but have medium-to-low sensitivity. The sensitivity of these tests varies according to patient group and method of sampling and the positive predictive value varies according to the prevalence of influenza at time of testing. Point-of-care testing for influenza may be of greatest use when used in times of high influenza prevalence in children presenting with influenza-like symptoms. Improved test sensitivity may be obtained by ensuring a nasopharyngeal swab is used to collect viral samples. Several studies reported that the number of additional pathology tests in patients testing positive for influenza was decreased compared to those who underwent standard testing. However, economic analyses in the Unites States (that may or may not be applicable to the Australian health care system) indicate that it is cost-effective to not test patients with point-of-care testing (POCT) but simply treat all patients with suspected influenza with either antivirals or neuraminidase inhibitors.
Details
Project Status:
Completed
Year Published:
2008
URL for published report:
Not Available
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Not Assigned
Country:
Australia
MeSH Terms
- Humans
- Point-of-Care Systems
- Influenza, Human
Contact
Organisation Name:
Adelaide Health Technology Assessment
Contact Address:
School of Public Health, Mail Drop 545, University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, AUSTRALIA, Tel: +61 8 8313 4617
Contact Name:
ahta@adelaide.edu.au
Contact Email:
ahta@adelaide.edu.au
Copyright:
Adelaide Health Technology Assessment (AHTA)
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.