The argument for rapid influenza polymerase chain reaction (PCR) during the COVID-19 pandemic: Quicker turnaround times correlated with decreased antimicrobial use, reduced admission rates, and shorter length of stay

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2022 May;43(5):654-656. doi: 10.1017/ice.2021.86. Epub 2021 Mar 26.

Abstract

The innovation of rapid influenza polymerase chain reaction (XT-PCR) has allowed quick, highly sensitive test results. Consequently, physicians can differentiate influenza from other respiratory illnesses and rapidly initiate treatment. We examined the effect of implementing XT-PCR on antimicrobial use, admission rates, and length of stay at a tertiary healthcare system.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Infective Agents*
  • COVID-19* / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Influenza, Human* / diagnosis
  • Influenza, Human* / drug therapy
  • Influenza, Human* / epidemiology
  • Length of Stay
  • Pandemics
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Infective Agents