Implementation of a rapid influenza A/B and RSV direct molecular assay improves emergency department oseltamivir use in paediatric patients

J Med Microbiol. 2018 Mar;67(3):358-363. doi: 10.1099/jmm.0.000676. Epub 2018 Jan 10.

Abstract

Purpose: Influenza A virus (FluA), influenza B virus (FluB) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) illnesses increase hospitalizations during seasonal epidemics.

Methodology: To 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.

Results: Utilization 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.

Conclusions: Use 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.

Keywords: Simplexa Flu/RSV; emergency department; influenza virus; oseltamivir.

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Child Health
  • Child, Preschool
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Influenza A virus / genetics
  • Influenza A virus / isolation & purification
  • Influenza B virus / genetics
  • Influenza B virus / isolation & purification
  • Influenza, Human / diagnosis*
  • Influenza, Human / drug therapy*
  • Influenza, Human / virology
  • Male
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques*
  • Nasopharynx / virology
  • Oseltamivir / administration & dosage
  • Oseltamivir / therapeutic use*
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / diagnosis*
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / virology
  • Respiratory Syncytial Viruses / genetics
  • Respiratory Syncytial Viruses / isolation & purification
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Virus Diseases / diagnosis

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic
  • Oseltamivir