title: Comparison of the Binax NOW Flu A enzyme immunochromatographic assay and R-Mix shell vial culture for the 2003-2004 influenza season.
abstract: The Binax NOW Flu A enzyme immunochromatographic assay was compared to viral culture with R-Mix shell vials for 455 nasal-wash or nasal-aspirate specimens. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the assay were 64.9%, 98.4%, 89.3%, and 93.2%, respectively. However, the assay sensitivity decreased significantly with increasing patient age.
authors.affiliation: Microbiology, Scott and White Memorial Hospital, 2401 South 31st Street, Temple, TX 76508, USA. rfader@swmail.sw.org
authors.forename: Robert C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Fader
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002845:Chromatography / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D053122:Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D009981:Influenza B virus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000821:virology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D012621:Seasons; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014776:Virus Cultivation
chemical_list: D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic