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Comparison of a rapid antigen test with nucleic acid testing during cocirculation of pandemic influenza A/H1N1 09 and Seasonal influena A/H3N2

The rapid diagnosis of influenza is critical in optimizing clinical management. Rapid antigen tests have decreased sensitivity in detecting pandemic influenza.

Authors:
Kok J, Blyth CC, Foo H, Patterson J, Taylor J, McPhie K, Ratnamohan VM, IRedell JR, Dwyer DE

Authors notes:
Journal of Clinical Microbiology 2010; 48(1): 290-291

Keywords:
comparison, rapid antigen test, nucleic acid testing, cocirculation, pandemic influenza, A/H1N1 09, seasonal influena, A/H3N2

Abstract:
The rapid diagnosis of influenza is critical in optimizing clinical management. Rapid antigen tests have decreased sensitivity in detecting pandemic influenza A/H1N1 2009 virus compared to seasonal influenza A subtypes (53.4% versus 74.2%, P < 0.001). Nucleic acid tests should be used to detect pandemic influenza virus when rapid antigen tests are negative.