Rapid influenza diagnostic test


A rapid influenza diagnostic test tells whether a person has a current influenza infection by detecting the influenza viral nucleoprotein antigen. Commercially available RIDTs can provide results within 30 minutes. These results can be observed by a color change or other visual signals. For clinicians, RIDTs serve as a first-line test that can be confirmed by traditional diagnostic tests. RIDTs also allow clinicians to promptly start antiviral treatment in high-risk populations, to formulate effective infection control measures, and to make informed decisions regarding diagnostic investigations. RIDTs have been shown to reduce chest radiography and blood tests in ambulatory care settings, but not antibiotic prescribing, or time in the emergency department.
A study concludes that one test generated a false negative 49 percent of the time, meaning it detected H1N1 only 51 percent of the time. Another study found another test generated a false negative 82.2 percent of the time, detecting H1N1 only 17.2 percent of the time.
One test generated a false negative 88.9 of the time, detecting H1N1 only 11.1 percent of the time.

Sample collection

RIDT accuracy may be dependent on collection technique used to obtain the sample. Samples used for RIDT include respiratory specimens such as throat, nose, and nasopharyngeal secretions, as well as aspirate or washings collected from the trachea.