title: Performance of the molecular Alere I influenza A&B test compared to that of the xpert flu A/B assay.
abstract: Data on the performance of rapid molecular point-of-care use platforms for diagnosis of influenza are lacking. We validated nasopharyngeal (NP) flocked specimens in universal transport medium (UTM) and evaluated the clinical sensitivity and specificity of the Alere i influenza A&B test compared to those of the Xpert flu A/B assay. The Alere i influenza A&B test had an overall sensitivity and specificity of 93.8% and 62.5% for influenza A, respectively, and of 91.8% and 53.6% for influenza B, respectively. The poor specificity was due to influenza virus samples determined positive for both type A and B.
authors.affiliation: Lifespan Academic Medical Centers, Department of Pathology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA KChapin@lifespan.org.
authors.forename: Kimberle C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Chapin
authors.affiliation: Lifespan Academic Medical Centers, Department of Pathology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
authors.forename: Estefany J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Flores-Cortez
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D065926:Influenza A Virus, H10N8 Subtype; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D009981:Influenza B virus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000821:virology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D025202:Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D009305:Nasopharynx / Q000821:virology; D009975:Orthomyxoviridae; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods; D014773:Virology / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult