Low sensitivity of rapid diagnostic test for influenza

Clin Infect Dis. 2009 May 1;48(9):e89-92. doi: 10.1086/597828.

Abstract

The QuickVue Influenza A+B Test (Quidel) was used to test nasal swab specimens obtained from persons with influenza-like illness in 3 different populations. Compared with reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, the test sensitivity was low for all populations (median, 27%; range, 19%-32%), whereas the specificity was high (median, 97%; range, 96%-99.6%).

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Immunoassay / methods*
  • Infant
  • Influenza A virus / isolation & purification
  • Influenza B virus / isolation & purification
  • Influenza, Human / diagnosis*
  • Middle Aged
  • Nasal Mucosa / virology
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic