Comparison of two rapid influenza A/B test kits with reference methods showing high specificity and sensitivity for influenza A infection.
The rapid detection of influenza viruses is important for forming preventative strategies, directing initiation of anti-viral therapy, detecting potential avian influenza viruses, and excluding influenza-like pathogens, such as SARS. The ImmunoCard STAT! Flu A and B Plus test (Meridian Bioscience, Cincinnati, OH) is a new point of care (POC) test utilizing influenza-specific monoclonal antibodies for rapid diagnosis. The performance of this assay was compared to the established POC Binax NowFlu A and NowFlu B test, and the reference diagnostic standards of viral culture, indirect immunofluorescence (IFA), and RT-PCR where appropriate. Testing of nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPA) from children, throat swabs, and nasal swabs from adults indicated ImmunoCard STAT! specificity of 98% and 100% for influenza A and B, respectively in 224 specimens. The Binax test showed specificity of 99% and 100%, respectively for influenza A and B. Sensitivity results were identical for both rapid detection kits (80% and 47% for Flu A and B, respectively). Overall results were very similar for both testing devices with the advantage of ImmunoCard STAT! Flu A and B Plus test detecting influenza A and B with sharp and easy to read results.
Virology Division, Department of Microbiology, South Eastern Area Laboratory Services, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.
Susanne
S
Booth
Cristina
C
Baleriola
William D
WD
Rawlinson
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D009981:Influenza B virus / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000821:virology; D009305:Nasopharynx / Q000821:virology; D010614:Pharynx / Q000821:virology; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D012015:Reference Standards; D020545:Respiratory Mucosa / Q000821:virology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014773:Virology / Q000379:methods*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic