Contemporary Influenza Diagnostics: Renewed Focus on Testing Patients

Testing for influenza infection with traditional reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is complex, slow, and costly. Two newer technologies, digital immunoassays that use automated immunochromatographic antigen detection and rapid nucleic acid amplification tests, are available but infrequently used. A systematic review and meta-analysis compares the diagnostic accuracy of novel and traditional rapid tests for influenza with that of RT-PCR. The editorialist believes that this review should prompt revision of guidelines to encourage use of the newer tests.

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