Lessons Learned: Moving From a Rapid Immunoassay to a Molecular Platform for Respiratory Viral Testing During Influenza Season

摘要

Accurate, rapid detection and reporting of respiratory viral illness is a challenge for the laboratory during influenza season. We replaced direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) and viral cultures with rapid enzyme immunoassay (EIA) testing for influenza A (Flu A), Flu B, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during the 2004-2005 influenza season. Negative, rapid EIA tests were confirmed by culture or DFA. Results were disappointing because EIA missed 8.3 (19/23) of DFA (+) RSV tests and 64 (56/88) of culture (+) influenza tests. We moved to a molecular platform using a one-step real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assay for the detection of Flu A, Flu B, and RSV for the 2005-2006 influenza season. Of 2094 samples tested, 12.5 (261/2094) were positive for Flu A, 3.9 (82/2094) for Flu B, and 13 3 (277/2094) for RSV. We found real-time PCR to be an acceptable platform for respiratory virus testing during the influenza season.