Evaluation of the NanoChip 400 system for detection of influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial, and parainfluenza viruses.

The NanoChip400 system uses multiplex PCR chemistry and electronic microarray detection of influenza A and B viruses; respiratory syncytial viruses A and B; and human parainfluenza virus types 1, 2, and 3. The results obtained with the NanoChip 400 system were compared with those obtained by direct fluorescent-antibody staining (DFA) and real-time PCR with 122 and 130 specimens, respectively. Concordance between DFA and NanoChip 400 system was obtained for 106 of 122 (86.9%) specimens. On the basis of discrepancy analysis with specimens available for confirmatory real-time PCR testing, the sensitivity and specificity of the NanoChip 400 were 98.6% and 100%, respectively. With respect to specimens previously tested by real-time PCR, the NanoChip 400 system demonstrated a sensitivity of 91.1% and a specificity of 100%. The NanoChip 400 system provides clinical laboratories with a practical, rapid, and sensitive method for the detection of common respiratory viruses.