Comparison of the directigen flu A+B membrane enzyme immunoassay with viral culture for rapid detection of influenza A and B viruses in respiratory specimens.
The performance of a commercially available, rapid membrane enzyme immunoassay for influenza A and B virus detection was compared to that of viral culture in 4,092 respiratory specimens collected from patients presenting with respiratory symptoms during the 2002-2003 influenza season. The test's overall sensitivity was 43.83%, lower than previously reported but similar for detection of both influenza A and B viruses (42.98 versus 44.76%). However, specificity, 99.74%, was excellent for both influenza A and B viruses (99.82 versus 99.92%). These values make this test a very good confirmatory test when clinical suspicion is high, but a less accurate screening test for large populations.
Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Andreea C
AC
Cazacu
Sooyoung E
SE
Chung
Jewel
J
Greer
Gail J
GJ
Demmler
D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D009981:Influenza B virus / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000821:virology*; D012621:Seasons; D013781:Texas / Q000453:epidemiology
D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic