STUDY OBJECTIVE: We evaluate the performance of a rapid assay (Binax NOW) for the detection of influenza A virus in children. METHODS: The performance of an in vitro rapid immunochromatographic assay for detection of influenza A virus was compared to viral culture in 4,383 consecutive respiratory specimens received during the 2003 to 2004 season, which included an influenza A epidemic in October and November of 2003. RESULTS: The overall test sensitivity was 61.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 60.3% to 63.2%) and specificity was 95.8% (95% CI 95.1% to 96.3%). In preplanned subset analyses, we found the test more sensitive in infants aged 90 days or younger (sensitivity 70.3%; specificity 96.6%) and less specific during the epidemic (sensitivity 61.7%; specificity 90.4%). CONCLUSION: This rapid assay was highly specific for detecting influenza A in children and thus appears useful for confirming this infection. Because of its limited sensitivity, however, a negative test cannot rule out influenza A.
STUDY OBJECTIVE: We evaluate the performance of a rapid assay (Binax NOW) for the detection of influenza A virus in children. METHODS: The performance of an in vitro rapid immunochromatographic assay for detection of influenza A virus was compared to viral culture in 4,383 consecutive respiratory specimens received during the 2003 to 2004 season, which included an influenza A epidemic in October and November of 2003. RESULTS: The overall test sensitivity was 61.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 60.3% to 63.2%) and specificity was 95.8% (95% CI 95.1% to 96.3%). In preplanned subset analyses, we found the test more sensitive in infants aged 90 days or younger (sensitivity 70.3%; specificity 96.6%) and less specific during the epidemic (sensitivity 61.7%; specificity 90.4%). CONCLUSION: This rapid assay was highly specific for detecting influenza A in children and thus appears useful for confirming this infection. Because of its limited sensitivity, however, a negative test cannot rule out influenza A.
Authors: Sonia M Raboni; Vanessa Stella; Cristina R Cruz; João B França; Suzana Moreira; Lili Gonçalves; Meri B Nogueira; Luine R Vidal; Sergio M Almeida; Maria C Debur; Hipolito Carraro; Claudia N Duarte dos Santos Journal: J Clin Microbiol Date: 2011-01-19 Impact factor: 5.948
Authors: Andrea T Cruz; Binita Patel; Michael C DiStefano; Catherine R Codispoti; Joan E Shook; Gail J Demmler-Harrison; Paul E Sirbaugh Journal: Ann Emerg Med Date: 2009-10-17 Impact factor: 5.721