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- Stephanie L Mitchell, Yeh-Chung Chang, Kristen Feemster, and Ana María Cárdenas.
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- J. Med. Microbiol. 2018 Mar 1; 67 (3): 358-363.
PurposeInfluenza A virus (FluA), influenza B virus (FluB) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) illnesses increase hospitalizations during seasonal epidemics.MethodologyTo determine the utility of the Simplexa FluA/B & RSV Direct Assay (Direct Flu/RSV) and its impact on oseltamivir use, we offered this assay to emergency department (ED) patients with influenza-like illness.ResultsUtilization of the Direct Flu/RSV provided a turnaround time (TAT) of 2 hours. Compared to the flu season prior to implementation of the Direct Flu/RSV, clinicians were more likely to prescribe 5 days of oseltamivir therapy for Direct Flu/RSV-positive patients in comparison to those with a negative test.ConclusionsUse of Direct Flu/RSV provides results rapidly, which leads to more appropriate use of oseltamivir. The ease of use of this assay and quick TAT allows for prompt decision-making, which is essential for patient care and effective disease control during the influenza season.
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