The winter months are notorious for wreaking havoc with our immune systems – and draining resources in already overstretched hospitals. Incidence of influenza rockets during the cold season, affecting 5–10 percent of adults and 20–30 percent of children every year (1). Now, a rapid, PCR-based molecular test can diagnose 43 strains of influenza A and B and seven strains of respiratory syncytial virus (a leading cause of respiratory disease) within 20 minutes (2). By applying real-time PCR to a nasopharyngeal swab sample, the test could significantly reduce the unnecessary occupation of hospital beds and lead to more effective treatment for patients.
Fran Brooke-Pearce, a Clinical Nurse Specialist for Infection Prevention and Control, trialed the test at Kingston Hospital, and says it has been a positive addition to the way patient flow is managed. “We previously had to wait up to two days for influenza results, meaning that patients with suspected influenza were isolated even if they didn’t have the virus. As well as now being able to determine quickly whether a patient has influenza, we can often discharge patients who test positive on the same day, once other risks have been ruled out,” says Brooke-Pearce. “It has enabled us to keep more bays open on our wards and fully use the beds that we have available.”
During the Kingston Hospital trial of the test, only 479 of 1,526 suspected influenza cases came back positive, meaning that 65 percent of patients with suspected (but unconfirmed) influenza could be discharged or admitted without unnecessary isolation. Another UK hospital that trialed the test estimates that it will save around £142,555 over the course of a flu season – albeit before accounting for the cost of the tests (under £50 each).
Given that the test can be used in nontraditional settings, such as emergency rooms and physician offices, it has potential as rapid point-of-care diagnostic, which could help prevent the unnecessary prescription of antibiotics.
But does the new test come at the cost of accuracy? Not according to Brooke-Pearce. “We carried out a number of laboratory tests in parallel with this test and found 100 percent accuracy, which means that we can diagnose, treat, and discharge patients with flu accurately and much more quickly than before.”
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References
- World Health Organization, “Seasonal Influenza”, (2018). Available at https://bit.ly/2Bcd2mu. Accessed December 11, 2018. Public Health England, “Point of Care Tests for Influenza and other Respiratory Viruses” (2018). Available at: https://bit.ly/2BYXL9o. Accessed January 2, 2019.
