Introduction: Despite a sensitivity of 50% to 70% the rapid influenza diagnostic test (RIDT) continues to play an important role in clinical decision-making due to its quick turn-around time, high specificity, relative simplicity of use, and low cost.
Methods: A quantitative study using a web-based survey was distributed to 110 members of the Society of Pediatric Urgent Care aimed to assess RIDT use for diagnosis and management of influenza in outpatient pediatric patients.
Results: Responses from 61 providers were received. Forty-two percent (95% CI 29.5-54.5%) of respondents report higher confidence in their diagnosis of influenza with the aid of a positive RIDT. 28% of respondents (95% CI 16.6-39.4%) report a higher likelihood of prescribing antiviral medications to low-risk patients if an RIDT is positive than without laboratory confirmation.
Conclusion: Most pediatric urgent care respondents reported higher confidence in their diagnosis and higher likelihood of prescribing antivirals with a positive RIDT rather than by clinical symptoms alone.
Keywords: RIDT; Rapid diagnostic test, flu, pediatric influenza.
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